About

© Yannick Beauvalet

Mission

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. 

Our four key programming pillars:

  1. Inspiring children and youth through the arts 
  2. Enriching communities through creative experiences  
  3. Building leadership capacity among educators, artists, and youth 
  4. Celebrating diverse artists and cultures across the country

Arts Alive is a collaboration between Théâtre français, English Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, Dance, the NAC Orchestra, and Popular Music and Variety at the National Arts Centre. Together, we produce and collaborate on learning and engagement programming across all performing arts disciplines, both within and outside of the National Capital Region. We also work with partners and communities to produce and support programming across the country.  

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.

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 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.