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PRESS RELEASE
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July 21, 2025 – The Township of Russell is proud to announce that, for the second consecutive year, it has received a $5,000 grant from the Ontario Arts Council through the Ontario Arts Presenters Projects. This generous funding will support the 2025 Photo Expo, fostering greater community participation and 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 CARFAC fees of $400 in recognition of their artistic contributions. Additionally, the 4 winners and select honorable 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. 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!" said Darren Pottie from the Autumn in the Country Arts Festival.
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.
Questions about the Photo Expo?
Join us for a virtual Lunchtime Info Session on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to learn about CARFAC fees, photo categories, the jurying process, and more.
- Join the Info Session on Teams at: https://surl.ms/1aNe
Anyone from Canada can 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 5 photos.
Submissions for the 2025 Photo Expo will be accepted until Monday, August 25th, 2025, with the exhibition taking place Saturday September 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.