The Township of Russell has received a $4,750 Ontario Arts Council grant to support the 2026 Photo Expo, which will showcase local photography and feature four winning images as permanent outdoor public art along the recreational trail. Pictured above, from left to right, Kim Legault, communications coordinator with the Township pf Russell, Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell and Mike Tarnowski, mayor of Russell Township. (Russell Township)
The Township of Russell has received a $4,750 grant from the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) through the Ontario Arts Presenters Projects program, funding that will help support the 2026 Photo Expo and expand opportunities for local photographers and community participation.
The funding, provided by the Government of Ontario, will support the annual photography exhibition, which invites photographers from across Canada to submit images taken within the boundaries of Russell Township. An independent jury will select four winning photographs to be printed and displayed as permanent outdoor public art along the township’s recreational trail.
In addition to having their work featured in the outdoor exhibition, the four selected photographers will each receive CARFAC fees of $422 in recognition of their artistic contributions. Winners and selected honourable mention artists will also receive a subscription to PhotoEd Magazine.
“This year’s grant allows us to continue celebrating the creativity and talent found throughout Russell Township,” said Kim Legault, communications coordinator for the Township of Russell. “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.”
The 2026 Photo Expo theme is “Cultivation,” encouraging photographers to explore how communities nurture people, places, and ideas. Organizers say submissions may focus on subjects such as gardening, mentorship, community connections, conservation, and other forms of personal or collective growth.
Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, said the province’s support reflects the importance of local arts initiatives.
“The arts play an important role in bringing our communities together, celebrating local talent, and creating opportunities for people to connect,” Sarrazin said. “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.”
The competition includes four categories: best youth (18 and under), best portrait, best landscape, and best wildlife. Participation is free, and each photographer may submit up to five photographs.
Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026.
The exhibition will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., during the Autumn in the Country Arts Festival. The event will be held inside the large barn behind the Russell Arena, where visitors will be able to view the entries and vote for a fan favourite. The four winning photographs will be announced at noon.
Last year’s Photo Expo featured more than 100 photographs from artists across the region.
The Photo Expo is a partnership between Autumn in the Country: Russell’s Art Festival and the Township of Russell, with support from the Ontario Arts Council and donations from the local community.
More information about the exhibition and submission process is available at www.russell.ca/PhotoExpo26.
