What We Do

A centre for community artistic development as well as recreation for all ages, the NECTAR Centre features an exhibition hall, kitchen area, and various multi-purpose spaces.

In December, 2012, the NECTAR Centre Board approved a new mandate for the Centre.  The new mandate is twofold: to be a centre for community cultural development and a community source for recreational activities for all ages.

Our mission is to Interweave Arts, Education & Community.

Our vision is a rich mosaic composed of distinct but closely linked elements ranging from creative artistic development and expression, to community-building, health and well-being, cultural and heritage preservation, civic engagement and social justice. The common thread linking all aspects of our vision – connecting arts and community – is our reason for being and the measure of our success. As a value-based organization, we have a sustained commitment to fundamental principles related to cultural and environmental responsibility, ethical practices, and respectful relationships.

Our charitable mandate articulates the Centre’s dual aim of providing space for creativity and learning, as well as building a healthy, stronger community with wide-ranging opportunities for engagement in the arts.  We do this through the following activities…

Arts

  • The NECTAR Centre is home to 25 working Artists, and employs over 120 Ottawa based artists annually.
  • Many of our past and present artists have gained widespread acclaim.
  • In 2013, we awarded artistic residencies in New Edinburgh House to 5 Ottawa artists/arts collectives.

Education

  • The NECTAR Centre is the community’s creative centre, offering exciting performing, visual, media and literary arts experiences for all ages.
  • In 2012, NECTAR Centre served over 660 people with 50 programs, and enrolment continues to grow.
  • NECTAR Centre partners with professional artists who offer their time and talents to enrich the lives of young people and adults alike, helping them to discover their talents 
and realize their dreams.

Community

  • Through our Outreach Projects, we serve children, families, seniors and people with low vision and blindness to whom we offer special social, educational and creative opportunities.
  • More than 350 active volunteers for the Centre work year round in over 15 different teams.
  • We strengthen bonds among neighbours and communities through such initiatives as Jane’s Walk, the Beechwood Fire Fund, and community meetings and celebrations.