House of PainT: Urban Arts and Culture Festival is set to mark a momentous milestone of a two-decade-long journey, bringing together the Hip Hop community in a joyous celebration of togetherness, art and elevation. And the National Arts Centre is excited to host the kick-off events of this anniversary edition.
Since its inception, House of PainT has been a symbol of unity, bridging Hip Hop lovers – graf writers, breakers, DJs, emcees, poets, dancers, fans – and fostering a sense of community not only within Ottawa-Gatineau but across Canada. This milestone edition aims to showcase the genre’s profound impact, featuring an array of programming to engage Hip Hop heads of all ages.
“This year’s theme is to celebrate and elevate as a means to recognize, respect, and amplify. It is to play an active role in facilitating opportunities for Hip Hop practitioners to create and present their work, collaborate with peers and mentors, and connect with audiences in an organic environment. House of PainT was created by Ottawa-based, Hip Hop artists 20 years ago, and continues to evolve under the leadership of Hip Hop artists and culture workers”, said Veronica Roy, Executive Director of House of PainT.
Taking place between August 11-13, 2023, this landmark gathering promises to be an exciting journey into the heart of Hip Hop culture.
On August 11, the NAC will be the host of House of PainT’s OG500, Ottawa’s largest poetry competition, along with Take Back the Ball, a Queer Afro-Black-Caribbean dance party and ball co-presented by AIDS Committee of Ottawa.
We are also thrilled to feature an amazing retrospective of imagery this month on the Kipnes Lantern created by House of PainT’s graphic designer and artist, Kenji Toyooka. We hope you have a chance to walk by to see it in action.
More about this year’s festival at houseofpaint.ca.
