EMBRUN – For the second consecutive year, The Township of Russell has received a $5,000 grant from the Ontario Arts Council through the Ontario Arts Presenters Projects. The grant will support the 2025 Photo Expo, which was created to encourage greater community participation while also showcasing local talent.

The 2025 Photo Expo invites photographers to submit their best work for a chance to be selected by an independent jury. Four winning photographs will be chosen to be printed and displayed as outdoor public art along the recreational trail. This year, in addition to having their work displayed in a permanent outdoor exhibit, the four selected photographers will each receive Canadian Artists’ Representation/le front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC) fees of $400 in recognition of their artistic contributions. Additionally, the four (4) winners and select honourable mention artists will receive a subscription to PhotoEd Magazine. This initiative underscores our commitment to valuing and supporting the arts within our community.

“Thanks to funding from the Ontario Arts Council, we’re able to shine a spotlight on the incredible talent right here in Russell Township,” said Darren Pottie from the Autumn in the Country Arts Festival, one of the festival’s partner groups. “Even more exciting, it links us to the broader provincial arts scene, unlocking fresh creative opportunities and inspiring new artistic paths. We can’t wait to see the amazing work our photographers will unveil this year!”

This year’s theme is “Up Close and Personal.” Photographers are encouraged to take a closer look at family, friends, neighbours, wildlife and landscape to capture rarely seen images. We hope to see real stories, intimate moments, and authentic connections between the artist and subject. While macro photography is appreciated, we encourage interpretations of closeness that reflect both physical and emotional proximity.

Anyone from Canada is welcome to enter, however all images must have been taken within the Township of Russell boundaries. The jury will decide winners for the following four categories:

  • Best youth (18 and under)
  • Best portrait
  • Best landscape
  • Best overall

Participation is free, and each photographer may submit up to five (5) photos.

Submissions for the 2025 Photo Expo will be accepted until Mon., Aug. 25, 2025, with the exhibition taking place Sat., Sept. 13, 2025.

Details on the event and how to participate at www.russell.ca/PhotoExpo25.

For more information, contact the Communications Department at 613-443-3066 or by email comms@russell.ca.

The Photo Expo is a partnership between Autumn in the Country: Russell’s Art Festival and the Township of Russell and is made possible with the support of the Ontario Arts Council, and generous donations from our own community.

The Ontario Arts Presenters Projects supports Ontario-based presenter organizations, ad hoc groups and collectives led by volunteer community members, as well as municipalities, colleges and universities to present professional artists in all OAC-funded disciplines and to offer associated audience engagement activities. The program supports activities in communities with limited professional arts activity.