News Releases

  1. Vernissage of the multimedia exhibition "Échos –André Brassard" Tuesday April 12 at the NAC

    April 6, 2016

    Legendary stage director André Brassard will make a rare appearance at the vernissage of the multimedia exhibition Échos –André Brassard, Tuesday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. at the National Arts Centre (NAC). The former artistic director of NAC French Theatre (1982–90) will be joined by the current artistic director, Brigitte Haentjens, and two... Read more

  2. STATEMENT: National Arts Centre Flag Flies at Half-staff in Honour of Canadian Theatre Icon Rita Lafontaine

    April 5, 2016

    It was with great sadness the National Arts Centre (NAC) has learned of the death of actress Rita Lafontaine, one of Canada’s greatest French-language artists. The prolific actress performed in more than a dozen works at the NAC, including Lysistrata, the very first French-language theatre play presented at the NAC in June 1969, as well as the world premiere of the seminal Albertine, en cinq... Read more

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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