OIAF launches a free, six-month outdoor animation trail for Ottawa 200
OTTAWA, Ont. — The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) will open a free, six-month outdoor animation trail across downtown Ottawa on September 19, presenting original works by local animators that reinterpret early Ottawa history as part of the city’s bicentennial celebrations.
Titled O-Town Animated, the project is supported by Ottawa Tourism and presented as part of Ottawa 200, with support from community partners including the Ottawa Art Gallery, the Bytown Museum, and Downtown Rideau BIA. The animation trail arrives in a milestone year for both the festival and the city: 2026 marks OIAF’s 50th edition and the 200th anniversary of Bytown’s founding.
The initiative activates multiple high-traffic sites along the downtown Public Art Trail, featuring three original animated works by Ottawa-based creators Beccs Champagne and Jessie Moore, Brennan Bova, and Andreas Fobes. Drawing on early Bytown photographs and stories, each piece translates archival material into contemporary animated shorts.
“We invited Beccs, Jessie, Brennan and Andreas because they’re distinctive Ottawa artists who have each been part of OIAF’s community, and because we knew they wouldn’t simply illustrate history—they’d find fresh, playful ways into it,” said Chris Robinson, OIAF Artistic Director. “Animation is especially good at taking fragments—a photograph, a story, a detail from the past—and making them move again. As OIAF marks 50 years in Ottawa, it feels right to celebrate the city that has shaped the Festival by putting animation out in the streets, where anyone can encounter it.”
“Projects like O-Town Animated help bring Ottawa’s history and culture to life in ways that are engaging, accessible, and uniquely local. As part of the Bytown 200 celebrations, this initiative will animate public spaces in high-foot traffic areas, showcase the strength of Ottawa’s creative sector and encourage residents and visitors to explore and experience our downtown core,” said Michael Crockatt, President and CEO of Ottawa Tourism.
OIAF’s 50th anniversary edition takes place September 23-27, 2026, with screenings, exhibits and creator talks at venues throughout downtown Ottawa. O-Town Animated extends the festival’s footprint beyond the five-day event, offering a sustained, citywide animation experience through Ottawa’s bicentennial year.
About the Ottawa International Animation Festival
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is one of the world’s leading animation events and North America’s oldest animation festival. It has presented screenings, exhibits, workshops, and entertainment since 1976. Attracting artists, producers, students and animation fans from around the globe, the OIAF brings together art and industry to experience world-class animated works. OIAF’s 50th celebration runs from September 23 to September 27 at venues throughout downtown Ottawa. Festival passes and tickets are on sale now at animationfestival.ca.
About Ottawa Tourism
Through its values of inclusivity, trust, collaboration, and innovation, Ottawa Tourism pursues its vision to be one of Canada’s most visited, sustainable, vibrant, and appealing urban destinations, as well as the tourism authority for key economic development and city-building decisions in Ottawa. Canada’s capital welcomes an estimated 9.8 million visitors annually who spend $2.6 billion in the community.
