NOVEMBER 2-5
Horticulture Building
1525 Princess Patricia Way, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa
NOIR is a four-day festival opening with an upscale Gala and fundraiser event in support of Queensway Carleton Hospital, and continuing for three days of fine art exhibition showcasing 55 professional artists. This year's theme is "Day of the Dead" and festival programming is being elegantly curated in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy, as well as Ottawa's Byward Market Day of the Dead Festival. The opening night Gala features a Gastronomic Salon with some of Ottawa's best restaurants, live performances by classical musicians and folkloric dancers, as well as an exciting Silent Auction with several original artworks donated by NOIR exhibiting artists. There will also be art workshops, an authentic Day of the Dead altar, and more!
Day of the Dead Theme
NOIR 2023 will be an exciting Day of the Dead theme, with support from both the Day of the Dead Festival, and the Mexican Embassy, as well as in consultation with the Mexican Cultural Association in Ottawa.
This theme will include programming honouring the culture and celebration surrounding the Day of the Dead traditions, and broader Mexican culture.
Visitors will be encouraged to pay homage to this theme by attending one of the various programmed workshops devoted to the Day of the Dead, including the altar, pan de muertos, sugar skulls and more.
Attendees of the Gala may choose to dress-up, wear themed make-up and/or accessories. Please note that this is at the attendees discretion and is not required.
The images being used for NOIR this year represent the "Catrinas", a symbol for Day of the Dead traditions.
You can learn more about the inspiration for this theme through the Day of Dead Festival.
Attire
Gala attire is "black tie" / "cocktail dress" / or elegant costume
Attendees are welcome to celebrate the "Day of the Dead" theme this year by respectfully leaning in to some of the hallmark features of this cultural tradition. This includes headpieces such as Halo Crowns and Floral Crowns, as well as makeup in the style of "Catrina" or "Sugar Skull". Should you wish to more subtly participate in the theme, we invite you to consider smaller accessories with hallmark elements such as marigolds, monarchs, and/or hummingbirds.
Festival attire is casual, but attendees are still very much welcome to come dressed up in celebration of the "Day of the Dead", especially for the Artist Meet & Greet evening on Friday November 3rd.
Makeup Artists
Makeup Options
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Pre-Gala Makeup Artist - reserve a session prior to doors opening (see info)
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Gala Makeup Station - complimentary themed face-painting during Gala, on a first come first served basis starting at 6pm.
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Pre-"Artist Meet & Greet" Makeup Artist - reserve a session prior to doors opening (see info)
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Face Painter - Family friendly, Day of the Dead themed designs starting from $15 each, being offered as of 3pm on Saturday, November 4th.
NOIR Art Festival is collaborating with Ottawa's Day of the Dead Festival this year to bring even more culture and activities to our communities! We could not have executed this theme without their support, guidance, and contributions.
We encourage you to check out their festival programming:
OCTOBER 27th - 29th | Byward Market, Ottawa
We are very grateful to the Mexican Embassy for their support and collaboration in curating a culturally authentic and elegant experience for our patrons and attendees! They have been key partner in bring this event to life.
Guided Altar Tours
by the Mexican Embassy
Authentic Altar Honouring:
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Frida Kahlo, Mexican Artist
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Emily Carr, Canadian Artist
The "altar" is practice of "Day of the Dead" wherein loved ones who have passed can be honoured and their lives can be celebrated. At NOIR, we are very proud to be honouring two incredibly transformative women and artists.
To learn more about the altar, please join one of our scheduled Guide Altar Tours led by the Mexican Embassy. View Detailed Itinerary.
Festival Program
Fine Art Exhibition
Horticulture Building
1525 Princess Patricia Way, Lansdowne Park, Ottawa
FRIDAY
November 3
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Artist Meet & Greet
SATURDAY
November 4
11:00am - 8:00pm
Art Exhibition Day
SUNDAY
Art Exhibition Day
November 5
10:00am - 4:00pm
50+ Exhibiting Artists
The NOIR Art Festival proudly showcases 50+ professional fine artists who will be exhibiting and selling their work across our three-day Art Exhibition. NOIR is a competitive and upscale fine art exhibition, featuring professional artists from Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and regions in between. We invite you to preview the art that you can expect to see at NOIR by visiting our Exhibiting Artist List.
Artist Meet & Greet
Friday November 3rd
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Fine Art Exhibition
The NOIR Art Festival proudly boasts three days of fine exhibition and sale from 50+ professional artists! Join us on this special evening to meet artists, have a glass of wine, and have first choice of premium art by remarkable artists.
Best in Show Award with OAG
Come witness one of our Exhibiting Artists receive an award from the Ottawa Art Gallery for being "best in show" at NOIR!
Altar Lighting
This special evening will also offer the unique opportunity to see the lighting of the altar, in honour of two great women and artists, including Mexican artist, the late Frida Kahlo, and Canadian artist, the late Emily Carr.
Artist Spotlight
We are so proud to have Ottawa-based artist, Dulce Tapp, who celebrates her Mexican heritage through her impressive collection of collaged Catrina pieces. You will be able to find her front and centre at the NOIR Art Exhibition!
Dulce will also be offering an immersive and hands-on collage art workshop wherein participants can design and create their own collage art inspired by the “Mictlán Journey”, an underworld of Aztec mythology which shaped current symbolism in Mexican “Day of the Dead” traditions. Taking place at the Horticulture Building on Sunday November 5th from 12:00pm - 2:00pm.
VIP Gala
Thursday November 2nd
6:00pm - 10:00pm
Day of the Dead Theme
VIP Gala
The NOIR Gala is dedicated to creating an enchanting and exciting experience for our VIP guests! The Gala also serves as a fundraiser in support of Queensway Carleton Hospital.
Be part of the theme!
Attendees are welcome to come dressed up for the theme! Please note that this is optional.
Silent Auction
The NOIR Art Festival also celebrates art in Ottawa, with a three-day Fine Art Exhibition (from November 3rd to November 5th). With 50+ professional artists, exhibiting and selling their unique and original pieces. Several of these highly talented artists have generously donated pieces from their collections, and these pieces will be a prominent part of the Silent Auction held at the Opening Night Gala. Other businesses from Ottawa and surrounding areas also support the Silent Auction and Fundraiser by donating epicurean items and experiences.
QCH Fundraiser
The NOIR Art Festival is dedicated to supporting arts and culture, but we also believe in giving back to our community however we can. This is why the festival kicks off with an exciting, themed gala event, which also serves as a fundraiser in support of Queensway Carleton Hospital Foundation. Last year, the NOIR Gala was able to raise almost $7,000 for the hospital's Building Space Between the Walls campaign, which has helped build a comfortable, modern, fully-equipped space for 15 bed bays at QCH. This year we hope to exceed this amount by hosting a Silent Auction at the Gala, and by donating a percentage of all tickets sales to QCH Foundation.
Workshops
Tickets & Admission
Special Rates & Pricing
Free After 3
Enjoy Free Admission to the Festival's Art Exhibition from 3pm onward on Saturday and Sunday.
Festival Pass
Want to come to out to the festival on two or more of the scheduled dates? Consider getting a Festival Pass! These will be available for only $18 for Early Bird or $20 for regular pricing. The Festival Pass is automatically included in the Gala ticket.
General Admission
From Friday November 3rd to Sunday November 5th, admission will only be $12 at the door or $10 online!
Children 12 and under do not pay admission.
Sponsors & Community Partners
