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Refund Policy

The Ottawa Center for the Arts is committed to providing clear and fair policies for our patrons. This policy outlines the conditions under which refunds are provided for tickets, registrations, and charitable donations.

Effective Date: October 1, 2025

Last Updated: October 1, 2025

I. Event Tickets and Program Registrations

All sales of tickets and registrations for performances, workshops, classes, and special events are generally considered final and non-refundable, as ticket revenue is used to fund artist fees, venue operations, and educational programming. Refunds are provided only under the following specific circumstances:

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A. Event Cancellation

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If the Ottawa Center for the Arts cancels an event or program for any reason (including, but not limited to, artist cancellation, technical issues, or public health emergencies), ticket holders will be offered the following options:

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  • A full refund of the ticket price (excluding any non-refundable third-party ticketing fees).

  • The opportunity to exchange the ticket for a future performance or program of equal value.

  • The option to convert the ticket price into a charitable donation to the Ottawa Center for the Arts, for which a tax receipt will be issued upon request.

 

B. Event Reschedule

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If the Ottawa Center for the Arts reschedules an event or program, original tickets will automatically transfer to the new date. Ticket holders who are unable to attend the rescheduled date must notify the Box Office within fourteen (14) days of the reschedule announcement to request one of the options listed in Section A (refund, exchange, or donation). Failure to contact us within this period will result in the forfeiture of the refund option.

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C. Individual Cancellation/Exchanges

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Unless otherwise stated on the specific event page:

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  • No Refunds are issued for ticket holders who cannot attend a performance that proceeds as scheduled ("no-shows").

  • Exchanges may be offered on a case-by-case basis, subject to availability, and may incur an administrative fee.

  • Ticket Transfers to another person are generally permitted at no charge. Please contact the Box Office to update the information for the new ticket holder.

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D. How to Request a Refund/Exchange

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All refund or exchange requests related to event cancellations or rescheduling must be submitted in writing (via email) to the Ottawa Center for the Arts' Box Office at: info@ottawaartscenter.org

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Refunds will be processed back to the original form of payment within 10–14 business days of approval.

II. Charitable Donations

The Ottawa Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Your contribution is considered a charitable gift intended to further our artistic and educational mission.

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A. General Donation Policy

 

  • All charitable donations are final and non-refundable.

  • Once a donation is processed, the funds are immediately allocated to support the Ottawa Center for the Arts' ongoing operations and programming, and they become the irrevocable property of the Ottawa Center for the Arts.

 

B. Errors and Exceptional Circumstances


We recognize that mistakes can happen. We will review requests for a donation refund only under the following limited conditions:

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  • Duplicate Transaction: The donor made an accidental duplicate donation (e.g., submitting the payment form twice).

  • Incorrect Amount: The amount processed differs from the amount the donor intended to give.

  • Request Timing: The donor submits a written request within seven (7) business days of the original transaction date.

 

C. Donation Refund Process


If a refund is requested due to a processing error (as described above), the donor must contact the Ottawa Center for the Arts' Finance Office immediately at: info@ottawaartscenter.org

 

  • All refunds will be verified, approved by the Finance Office, and processed back to the original form of payment.​

  • Tax Implications: The Ottawa Center for the Arts cannot provide tax advice. If a donation is refunded, the donor is responsible for adjusting their tax records, as the original tax receipt becomes void.

III. Merchandise and Physical Goods

If the Ottawa Center for the Arts sells physical merchandise (e.g., apparel, books, prints):

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  • Returns: We accept returns of merchandise in unused and re-sellable condition within thirty (30) days of purchase, provided you have a receipt or proof of purchase.

  • Refunds: Refunds will be issued for the cost of the item only (excluding original shipping charges) and returned to the original payment method.

  • Exchanges: Exchanges are offered only if the item is defective, damaged, or the wrong size/color.

IV. Contact Information

For any questions regarding this Refund Policy, please contact the Ottawa Center for the Arts administration:​

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Ottawa Center for the Arts
Mailing Address: Ottawa Center for the Arts, P.O. Box 2335, Ottawa, IL 61350, USA

Email: info@ottawaartscenter.org
Phone: 815.324.0520

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