2026 Photo Expo Receives Ontario Arts Council Grant

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July 28, 2026 – The Township of Russell is proud to announce that it has received a $4,475 grant from the Ontario Arts Council through the Ontario Arts Presenters Projects. This generous funding from the Government of Ontario will support the 2026 Photo Expo, fostering greater community participation and showcasing local talent.

The 2026 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. In addition to having their work displayed in a permanent outdoor exhibit, the four selected photographers will each receive CARFAC fees of $422 in recognition of their artistic contributions. Additionally, the four winners and selected honorable mention artists will receive a subscription to PhotoEd Magazine. This initiative underscores our commitment to valuing and supporting the arts within our community.

“The arts play an important role in bringing our communities together, celebrating local talent, and creating opportunities for people to connect,” said Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell. “Through the Ontario Arts Council, our government is proud to support initiatives like the 2026 Photo Expo, which highlights the creativity of local photographers and helps make arts and culture more accessible for residents and visitors in Russell Township. Congratulations to everyone involved in showcasing the beauty and talent of our community.”

This year’s theme is “Cultivation.” How do we nurture the community around us? How do we invest our energy in the positive things in our lives, developing them, studying them, and caring for them until they grow into something beautiful? How do we pass this knowledge on to future generations? We’re asking photographers to explore their surroundings, which may include sub-themes such as gardening, mentorship, community, or conservation.

“We are grateful for the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario, which helps us celebrate the creativity and talent found throughout Russell Township. The Photo Expo not only showcases local photographers and the beauty of our community but also creates opportunities for residents and visitors to connect through art, culture, and shared experiences.” said Kim Legault, Communications Coordinator for the Township of Russell.

Anyone in Canada can enter, however all images must have been taken within the Township of Russell boundaries. The jury will select winners for the following four categories:

• Best youth (18 and under);
• Best portrait;
• Best landscape;
• Best wildlife.

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

Submissions for the 2026 Photo Expo will be accepted until Sunday, August 23, 2026.

The exhibition will take place on Saturday September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the Autumn in the Country Arts Festival, held inside the big barn located behind the Russell Arena. Last year’s exposition featured over 100 photos and invited the public to vote for their fan favourite. We invite you to come visit the exposition. The four winning photographs will be revealed at noon.

Details about the event and how to participate at www.russell.ca/PhotoExpo26.

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.