OAW Talks is an event for creatives of all kinds to meet, present work, and share ideas. The atmosphere is spontaneous and casual, while the speakers follow a simple presentation format of narrating 20 images, which are automatically advanced every 20 seconds. 

This year, reflecting on the city’s origin story through our theme of OAW 2026: Currents of Bytown. Rather than tracing its beginnings to colonial settlement, we begin with water as a living system of movement, exchange, and stewardship that shapes the city today. As the shoreline transforms from industrial edge to public places of immersion inviting us to experience water not as a corridor of extraction, but as a shared civic space. Architecture becomes the threshold between city and watershed, challenging us to rethink access, ecology, and responsibility. 

Join us for an evening of inspiration and imagination surrounding how water shapes our city. There will also be light refreshments available throughout the evening. 

If you have a desire to speak your mind, show a project or just tell a good story we invite you to contact us with: 1) the title of your proposed presentation, 2) brief synopsis, 3) your brief bio and 4) your commitment to participate.  

The deadline to submit your synopsis and bio is August 28, 2026 and the final presentation is due by September 16, 2026. 

Submit your information to oawfest@orsa.ca