UPDATE: Due to weather and flooding, events at Brewer Park and Dunbar Bridge have been relocated.
The Music Showcase has been relocated to the Underground at 56 Byward Market Sq. Concert starts at 7:00pm. Capacity is limited, 19+.
- 7:00 Doors Open
- 7:30 Aspects and Illiyah Rose
- 8:00 Paula C
- 8:40 Shauna Seeteenak (Nunavut)
- 9:00 Le R Premie
- 9:40 Eazy Finesse
Dunbar Bridge is a legal graffiti site for the public. Artists are still able to paint at their own discretion. The access road is flooded.
The Time Capsule Ceremony has been moved to Sunday, August 13 from 12:00pm-1:00pm at the Ottawa Art Gallery during the House of PainT Knowledge Conference
CapCity Cyphers has been rescheduled to take place outside of the Digital Arts Resource Centre in Arts Court at 1:30pm on Sunday August 23.
House of PainT: Urban and Culture Festival is gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary in grand style! This milestone event, taking place from August 11–13, promises to be a jam-packed celebration of hip hop culture, showcasing the profound impact of the genre and bringing together the community for a weekend of art, unity, and fun. With a diverse range of programming, House of PainT aims to engage hip hop enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds.
A look back: Two decades of House of PainT
House of PainT was created by Ottawa-based hip hop artists 20 years ago, and it has since become a symbol of unity, bridging the gaps between hip-hop lovers from various disciplines, including graffiti writers, B-boys and B-girls, DJs, emcees, poets, dancers, and fans. Over the years, House of PainT has fostered a strong sense of community within Ottawa-Gatineau and played a vital role in elevating the local hip hop scene. Now, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, House of PainT is ready to take the festivities to a whole new level.
OG500 Poetry Slam: Unleashing the power of words
Image: House of Paint.
Kicking off the anniversary celebrations on August 11 is the OG500 Poetry Slam, Ottawa’s largest poetry competition. Poets from diverse backgrounds will go head-to-head in the NAC’s Azrieli Studio, delivering powerful performances showcasing the transformative power of words. This year’s headlining poet is Nasim Asgari, a talented wordsmith known for captivating audiences with her thought-provoking verses. With esteemed judges Zahra Allen, Curtis Nyarko, and Just Jamaal the Poet, the OG500 Poetry Slam promises to be a thrilling showcase of poetic talent.
Take Back the Ball: A vibrant celebration of queer and Afro-queer dance
Image: House of Paint.
In partnership with the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, House of PainT presents Take Back the Ball, a Kiki and Afro-queer dance party that celebrates pride and inclusivity. Featuring the Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance and DJ Black Cat, this event will bring together the vibrant energy of ballroom culture with the electrifying beats of hip hop. Attendees can expect an unforgettable night of dance, music, and live painting by the talented Allan André.
The main event: A hip hop extravaganza at Brewer Park
Image: House of Paint.
On August 12, the main anniversary celebration will be at Brewer Park, under the iconic Dunbar Bridge. This free outdoor event will be a hip hop extravaganza, featuring a lineup of talented artists who will showcase their skills and entertain the crowd. Hosted by the charismatic Quest, the event will feature performances by Paula C, Aspects and Illiyah Rose, Shauna Seeteenak, Le R Premier, Eazy Finesse, and many more.
Programming for the main event is diverse and exciting, with something for everyone to enjoy. Luv2Groove will host a kids’ dance party, providing a friendly and inclusive environment for young, aspiring dancers to express themselves. Moov Ottawa will highlight the talent of its student dancers in a captivating showcase. Troy Sexton will lead a workshop on bucket drumming, while CapCity Cyphers and Breaking Dance Battles will bring a competitive spirit to the event.
There will also be an all-day art vendor market where attendees can browse and purchase unique creations from local artists. Graffiti artists and muralists will add their vibrant works to the festival’s atmosphere, transforming the space into a living work of art.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, House of PainT will host a time capsule artifact collection. Attendees can contribute items representing the essence of hip hop culture, preserving them for future generations.
Knowledge Conference: Exploring the roots and future of hip hop
Image: House of Paint.
On August 13, the Ottawa Art Gallery will host the Knowledge Conference, a gathering celebrating the fifth element of hip hop: knowledge. It will provide a platform for learning, growth, and community-building, bringing together industry experts, seasoned artists, and emerging talents. Panel discussions will delve into themes such as the balance between business and community, the impact of hip hop on storytelling, and the shared roots of hip hop and queer ballroom culture. The conference aims to inspire and foster a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of hip hop.
In conjunction with the Knowledge Conference, the Digital Arts Resource Centre (DARC) will host the North American premiere of “Painters of Ephemera,” a French documentary that pays tribute to urban art.
“At its core, House of PainT is hip hop jam. It’s a community gathering around arts and culture, run by artists, for artists, by community, for community. Looking forward? HoP will continue to create spaces where Ottawa hip hop can feel celebrated and be elevated; we’ll keep showcasing the diversity of our culture, connecting the past with the future, and holding space for hip hop in Ottawa. And we will evolve, as hip hop is constantly evolving. We’ll meet artists where they are at, hear what they want, and work to maintain a strong, supportive platform they can build from as they need.”
—Sabra Ripley, co-founder, House of PainT
Whether you’re a seasoned hip hop aficionado or new to the genre, this celebration is a chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of hip hop culture and witness the incredible talent that Ottawa-Gatineau has to offer. See you there!
For more information, visit the House of PainT website. Follow House of Paint on Instagram for news and behind-the-scenes glimpses of festival preparations. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #HoPTurns20 to join the conversation. Lineup, schedule, and activities are subject to change.
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