News Releases

  1. NAC Flags at Half-Staff in Honour of Composer, Conductor Howard Cable

    April 1, 2016

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) will fly its flags at half-staff in memory of Canadian composer, conductor and arranger Howard Cable, who has died at the age of 95. Howard Cable’s career spanned more than 70 years and included collaborations with Richard Rodgers, Ella Fitzgerald, the Canadian Brass, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Sharon, Lois and Bram, to name a few. His compositions and... Read more

  2. Gail and David O’Brien Donate $1.5 Million in Support of the NAC’s Strategic Plan

    April 1, 2016

    On March 24, 2016 the National Arts Centre unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2015–2020. Entitled “Canada is our Stage”, the new plan reinforces the NAC’s commitment to champion performance, creation and learning across Canada. The Strategic Plan emphasizes the National Arts Centre’s vision to become a catalyst for creation over the next five years and beyond. The... Read more

  3. Opening of National Arts Centre Satellite Box Office, Welcome Centre and Donors’ Circle

    March 2, 2016

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) will officially open its Satellite Box Office, Welcome Centre and Donors’ Circle this Friday at 54 Elgin Street (at Queen). The new space will serve as an oasis for patrons, subscribers and donors from the construction taking place over the next 18 months across the street at the NAC. It will be a comfortable place to take care of ticketing needs, get a cup of... Read more

  4. Executive Chef John Morris Leaves NAC to Join Family, Start New Job in Toronto

    February 6, 2016

    Chef John Morris has decided to leave his position as Executive Chef of the National Arts Centre (NAC) to join his new and growing family in Toronto. Later this month, John will take on the leadership of the culinary team at Toronto’s iconic CN Tower restaurants. His last day at the NAC will be February 12th. “Chef Morris has a wonderful talent for creating imaginative cuisine,”... Read more

  5. STATEMENT: NAC Flags at Half-staff in honour of Legendary Theatre Costume Designer

    January 29, 2016

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) will fly its flags at half-staff in memory of legendary Canadian costume designer François Barbeau, who has died at the age of 80. “François Barbeau was a good friend of the National Arts Centre,” said Peter Herrndorf, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre. “He worked here many times during his prolific career, creating... Read more

  6. Prestigious Arctic Inspiration Prize Awarded to Groundbreaking Qaggiq Project to Support Northern Performing Artists

    January 27, 2016

    Qaggiq, a project dedicated to supporting northern performing artists, has won the very prestigious Arctic Inspiration Prize.  Qaggiq is led by the Qaggiavuut Society, a Nunavut-based arts organization in partnership with organizations across the North and southern Canada The award, worth $600,000, will allow Qaggiavuut to develop and nurture Arctic performing artists through training... Read more

  7. NAC Historian Sarah Jennings To Kick Off Library and Archives Canada's Free Signatures Interview Series

    January 20, 2016

    Sarah Jennings, arts journalist and author of the book Art and Politics: The History of the National Arts Centre, will be interviewed by Guy Berthiaume, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, as part of Library and Archives Canada’s Signatures Series, a free public event featuring original interviews with individuals who provide insights into parts of the collection. The discussion will take... Read more

  8. National Arts Centre renovations to begin in December 2015

    November 23, 2015

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) today announced it would begin renovations of its 46 year-old building, situated in the heart of downtown Ottawa, in December 2015. Work will begin in December, earlier than originally anticipated, ensuring completion of the new Elgin Street atrium entrance by Canada Day 2017 as planned. The completion of the NAC’s main banquet room, the Panorama Room, will be... Read more

  9. The NAC's Music Alive Program with Inuk Singer/Songwriter Saali Keelan Come to Cape Dorset this Weekend

    November 11, 2015

    Inuk singer/songwriter Charles "Saali" Keelan will be leading community workshops and coaching young performers at the Kinngait Performing Arts Club clubhouse and Sam Pudlat School in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, as part of the National Arts Centre’s Music Alive Program from Friday November 13 to Sunday November 15. On Saturday, November 14, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Saali will lead workshops for... Read more

  10. NAC to “Light Up Purple" on Mental Health Day Saturday October 10th

    October 8, 2015

    – The National Arts Centre (NAC) is pleased to participate in the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Day. The Amanda Todd Legacy Society has reached out to organizations across Canada to “Light Up Purple” on Saturday, October 10th, 2015, to raise awareness about the issue of mental illness and the impact it has on the lives of so many in our communities. This... Read more