Welcome to the learning and engagement hub at Canada’s National Arts Centre, where theatre, dance, and music come alive. We invite you to check out our workshops for students, performances for families and schools, professional development events, resources for educators and artists, and more, both virtual and in-person.
Vision
Arts Alive is building towards a future where the power of the performing arts inspires young people across Canada to celebrate themselves and their culture, to learn and to innovate, and to enhance their well-being through meaningful artistic and social experiences. We believe that children and youth from coast to coast to coast should be able to access and participate in the performing arts in their own schools and communities, and that they should feel a sense of belonging at the National Arts Centre and through our work across the country.
Mission
Arts Alive brings together learning & engagement staff across the NAC to work within and across artistic disciplines for the benefit of children, youth, and families. Our mission is to create and support a diversity of opportunities for young people to experience the performing arts at the NAC and in their schools and communities; to break down barriers to performing arts access for young people, particularly in rural, remote, and equity-deserving communities; and to build capacity for this work amongst artists, educators, and community partners nationwide.
We’re so glad you’re here – the stage is yours!
“We love the NAC and having professionals teach us virtually – and even more so, our students! It allows them a different experience with new people in a virtual way, which enriches their experience so much, especially during these times when going to places for these experiences is not available.”
— Elementary School Teacher, Ottawa, Ontario
Arts Alive quick facts
Over 15,000 learners and educators participated in the NAC’s Learning and Engagement Programs across Canada during the 2021-22 season, with financial assistance available for all programming.
5,755 learners and educators participated in digital workshops.
1,534 learners and educators attended in-person student matinees.
532 educators and artists participated in professional development programs and pre-professional artist training.
Over 150 teaching artists facilitated unique program offerings.
- National Partner
-
Official Airline, Nunavut
-
Associate Travel Partner, Nunavut
-2__sponsorgrid.png)
- Supporting Partner, Nunavut
-
Supporting Partner, Manitoba
-
Supporting Partner, Atlantic
-
Corporate Partner
Support Performing Arts Learning and Engagement!
Your donations through the NAC's National Youth and Education Trust help the NAC provide learning and engagement opportunities for all — from young children in the classroom, to artists, to the lifelong learner.
Learning and engagement at Canada’s National Arts Centre is made possible through the support of many generous individuals and organizations from across the country. Arts Alive is generously supported by the Azrieli Foundation, the Government of Nunavut, Canadian North, Calm Air, The River Philip Foundation, The Turnbull Family Community Building Foundation, and The Thomas Sill Foundation. Thank you also to Grant and Alice Burton, Canada Life, A Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Ottawa, Friends of the NAC Orchestra, Donors to the NAC Foundation's Future Fund, The Janice and Earle O’Born Fund for Artistic Excellence, and the donors and sponsors of the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust, the primary resource for youth and education funding at the National Arts Centre.