The Artist-Run Centres and Collectives Conference (ARCA), along with the artist-run centres AXENÉO7 and SAW, in collaboration with the Indigenous Curatorial Collective and the Association des groupes en arts visuels francophones, are excited to announce the ARCA biennial gathering Against the Current, taking place in Ottawa-Gatineau from June 11 to 14, 2025. 

Against the Current will be hosted at the NCC River House, the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Alma Duncan Salon, AXENÉO7 and SAW, connecting delegates to important cultural and natural sites on both sides of the Kichi Sibi (Ottawa River) while recognizing and honouring the Algonquin land on which we will gather. Over 250 delegates are expected to attend.

The conference will present a rich program of events and professional activities for delegates, the arts community and the general public alike, including keynotes, panels, discussions, workshops, collaborative sessions, advocacy campaigns, networking events, performances, art happenings and exhibition openings. A wide range of topics will be covered, providing opportunities to all cultural workers connected with the Canadian and international artist-run centre network.

At the NCC River House, participants can enjoy hiking, canoeing and kayaking while participating in panels and discussions broadcast live. The gathering will close with an art extravaganza aboard the Ottawa River Queen steamboat, featuring Indigenous performance art, music and fashion from across Turtle Island and beyond, presented by the Asinabka Film and Media Arts Festival, AXENÉO7, the Indigenous Curatorial Collective and SAW.