the Dojo: Ottawa’s Creative Community

What are you working on? Bring it to the Dojo.

the Dojo is a recurring creative community and focused work session where Ottawa creatives come together to work on the things they want to bring into the world.

Whether you're writing a book, developing a business idea, sketching, designing, making music, editing a film, working on your portfolio, planning your next project, or exploring something entirely new, bring your work and join us.

This isn't another networking event where you spend the whole evening exchanging introductions.

The work comes first.

The idea is simple: sometimes it’s easier to create when you’re surrounded by other people who are creating too.

Bring your laptop, notebook, sketchbook, tablet, headphones, or whatever you need to work on your project.

We'll begin with a short welcome from Collaburo Coworking & Events Space, the home and presenting sponsor of The Dojo. Attendees will also have the opportunity to claim a complimentary Collaburo coworking day pass and come back to experience the space again.

From there, Tzu, Community Lead and Facilitator, will introduce the Land Acknowledgement and the values and culture of The Dojo.

Then we get to work.

There will be room for conversation and organic connections throughout the evening, but the Dojo is intentionally designed to protect people's ability to focus and create without distraction, harassment, or judgment.

Create. Explore. Connect.

Come ready to:

• Create — dedicate meaningful time to your craft, work, or idea.
• Explore — experiment, learn, and give yourself permission to try something new.
• Connect — meet other Ottawa creatives naturally, without the pressure of traditional networking.
• Respect — protect each other's focus, boundaries, creative process, and space.

You don't need to be a professional artist or call yourself a "creative" to belong here.

If you're making, building, writing, designing, imagining, or working toward something, you're welcome in the Dojo.

📅 Every Wednesday⏰ 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM📍 Collaburo Coworking & Events Space👥 Maximum 30 participants🎟️ $5 + taxes

1 complementary drink included (Pop or coffee/tea)

Capacity is intentionally limited to 30 people to preserve the focused, community-oriented atmosphere.

Collaburo Coworking & Events Space

Home and presenting sponsor of The Dojo.

Community Lead / Facilitator: Eyob Tzu

Co-Facilitator: Bassem Elghawaby

Eyob Tzu is a creative, storyteller, poet, community builder, and the founder of the Dojo: a creative community he facilitated for three years. Through workshops, mentorship, and creative gatherings, Tzu brings people together at the intersection of creativity, culture, and community. His practice is rooted in helping people move through creative blocks, develop their ideas, and find the confidence to make and share their work. At The Dojo, he creates spaces where creatives can step away from the noise, focus on their craft, experiment freely, and grow alongside one another.

Bassem Elghawaby is a creative, storyteller and community builder, and the Founder of Grassroots Multimedia. As Creative Hub & Community Lead at Collaburo, he brings people together through events and experiences at the intersection of creativity, entrepreneurship and community. A writer and published poet himself, Bassem co-facilitates the Dojo to help create a welcoming environment where people can focus on their craft, explore ideas and connect with fellow creatives.

Media Partner: Grassroots Multimedia

Don't worry about showing up with something polished.

Bring the unfinished poem.The business idea you've been putting off.The half-written chapter.The illustration.The video edit.The song.The website.The proposal.The idea you haven't figured out yet.

Come with something you want to move forward — and give yourself three hours to do it.

Welcome to the Dojo.

Event venue & nearby stays

Collaburo Coworking & Events Space, 499 Preston Street, Ottawa, Canada

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

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