Jayne Watson

Jayne Watson served as CEO of the National Arts Centre (NAC) Foundation from 2009 to 2023. The NAC Foundation achieved record fundraising goals over the period of Ms. Watson’s leadership and championed new initiatives such as its first-ever national fundraising campaign which raised more than $20M for a national Creation Fund to help Canadian creators think bigger about new works in theatre, music and dance. During her time as CEO, the Foundation surpassed fundraising goals for projects such as Canadian and international tours (China, UK and Europe) for music and theatre; the creation of the national Arts Alive program, which brings the magic of the performing arts to schools and communities across Canada; as well as special purpose fundraising for performance, creation and learning projects across the country. 

Ms. Watson joined the National Arts Centre in 2001 as Director of Communications and Public Affairs. She helped to establish national media partnerships with print and broadcast media for key NAC programming such as its regional Scene festivals, NAC Orchestra Tours and for prestigious national celebrations such as the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Gala. In 2008, Ms. Watson co-chaired the NAC’s strategic planning process and co-authored the NAC’s 2008-2013 strategic plan, Performing for Canadians.