About the
National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre (NAC) is Canada’s bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams—the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, and Popular Music and Variety—and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada.

Brilliantly renewed by the renowned architectural firm Diamond Schmitt Architects, the NAC has improved performance spaces, public areas for education and events, and a magnificent glass atrium with a glittering entrance on Elgin Street, embracing Confederation Square and some of the most iconic views of important landmarks in our nation’s capital.

Mixed media artwork called Heartbeat of Mother Earth by Algonquin artist Emily Brascoupé-Hoefler
Mixed media artwork called Heartbeat of Mother Earth by Algonquin artist Emily Brascoupé-Hoefler

Pangawogo Ninga Akì

Iyo Kichi Mazinibìgewogamig ate Anishinàbewakìng ega wìkàd Anishinàbeg kà mìgiwewàdj odakìwà. Eko wayeshkàt Anishinàbeg abiwag ondaje. Tedibà wàkàhì kàgige Anishinàbeg kì màmandoseg ashidj kìyàbadj nongom Akikodjiwaning, Asinàbikà minitigong kaye iyo nibì nengishkodàdìmagak enì ànikodjiwang. Nayegàdj kàgìdàdj niga pimosemin ondaje akìng kaye niga manàdjiyànànig Anishinàbeg kaye niga manàdjihìdimin. Kichi Mìgwech.

The National Arts Centre is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinabeg People, who have lived on this land since time immemorial. This region has been and continues to be a gathering place, from the sacred Akikodjiwan falls to Asinabka island and the connecting waterways. We will walk gently on this territory, respecting the Anishinabeg People and one another. Chi-Miigwetch.

We believe the performing arts are vital to the human experience.

The NAC is a house of dreams for the performing arts. In our 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, The Journey Ahead, we recommit to working with artists and arts organizations from across this land to revitalize our sector. We are on a journey, and will ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, accessibility and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples guide our actions.

Learn more about our vision, values, and goals

Action plans

The Journey Ahead is supported by three key actions plans that will guide the NAC’s commitments towards equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, accessibility and sustainability.

National Creation Fund

Fuelled entirely by donors, the National Creation Fund makes investments of up to $2 million dollars a year in the development of compelling new creations in the performing arts.

  • A person breakdancing against a colourful background with the words "Arts Alive" beside them.

    The stage is yours!

    Our engaging learning platform features a wide range of free resources and events as well as information on student matinees, live performances, workshops, and other programs for schools, families, educators, and arts lovers.

  • Mary-longman-indigenous-cities-saskatoon-2021 card explore

    Indigenous Cities | The stories here.

    A unique audio storytelling experience based on memories from Indigenous community members interpreted by Indigenous artists. 

  • Denise-deion-card

    Global Network for Women Music Producers

    Designed in consultation with partners in countries from around the world, the program will help overcome barriers in the music industry, and provide opportunities for support, discussion, networking and collaboration.

  • Phone numbers

    613-947-7000
    Toll free: 1-866-850-2787
    info@nac-cna.ca

  • Street address

    1 Elgin Street
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    K1P 5W1
    Map

  • Mailing address

    P.O. Box 1534, Station B
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    K1P 5W1

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