News Releases

  1. National Arts Centre Extends Alexander Shelley's Contract to 2023

    September 6, 2018

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) announced today that Alexander Shelley, Music Director of the NAC Orchestra, has agreed to extend his contract for four years, from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2023. Since Mr. Shelley joined the NAC as Music Director in 2015, the Orchestra has strengthened its national role and focus on Canadian creation and artists, in addition to receiving... Read more

  2. NAC Lifts the Curtain on Performance Hall Upgrades, Including Stunning New Orchestra Shell

    September 6, 2018

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) today lifted the curtain on dramatic production upgrades in its performance spaces, including a stunning new orchestra shell in its signature Southam Hall venue. These upgrades are part of the Production Renewal Project, a $114.9 million investment by the Government of Canada since 2014. Much of the NAC’s aging electrical and theatrical equipment has now been... Read more

  3. NAC Flag Flies at Half-mast in Honour of Canadian Theatre Icon Albert Millaire

    August 15, 2018

    The National Arts Centre mourns the loss of award-winning actor and director Albert Millaire. He was 83. Mr. Millaire had a significant impact on the cultural life of Canada, having received their country’s highest distinction in the performing arts, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2006. The National Arts Centre’s flag will fly at... Read more

  4. WORK OF RENOWNED MÉTIS ARTIST CHRISTI BELCOURT TO BE FEATURED ON NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE KIPNES LANTERN ON NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY ON JUNE 21

    June 20, 2018

    Media Advisory WORK OF RENOWNED MÉTIS ARTIST CHRISTI BELCOURT TO BE FEATURED ON NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE LANTERN ON NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES’ DAY ON JUNE 21 OTTAWA – National Arts Centre will celebrate the culture and heritage of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples by showcasing digital images of the stunning work of award-winning Michif (Métis) visual artist Christi... Read more

  5. National Arts Centre Announces First Projects to Receive National Creation Fund Investments

    June 14, 2018

    June 14, 2018 – OTTAWA (Canada) – The National Arts Centre today announced the first nine projects that will be receiving investments totaling $1.4 million from the National Creation Fund, a new initiative that supports the development of bold and ambitious Canadian work in music, theatre, dance and inter-disciplinary performing arts. The projects are: Eve 2050 (Van Grimde Corps... Read more

  6. Christopher Deacon Named New President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Arts Centre

    June 12, 2018

    June 12, 2018 – OTTAWA (Canada) – After an extensive national search that began in November 2017, the Board of Trustees of the National Arts Centre (NAC) today announced Christopher Deacon as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization, effective immediately. He succeeds Peter Herrndorf who stepped down from the position on June 2, 2018. Christopher Deacon, 59,... Read more

  7. Tom Jackson to Mentor Sarah Robertson as Part of 2018 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Mentorship Program

    May 22, 2018

    Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC) is delighted to announce that the renowned actor, musician and activist Tom Jackson has chosen to mentor the multidisciplinary artist Sarah Robertson through the 2018 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Mentorship Program.  Made possible with support from The Keg Spirit Foundation, the program allows past recipients of the Governor... Read more

  8. Annabelle Cloutier Named NAC Executive Director of Communications

    April 17, 2018

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) today announced the appointment of Annabelle Cloutier as NAC Executive Director of Communications and Public Affairs, and Corporate Secretary. Annabelle Cloutier is currently the Director of Communications and Public Affairs with the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General. On May 7, Ms. Cloutier will take over the position from Rosemary Thompson, who... Read more

  9. On the Road with Canada 150: NAC Annual Report Details Extraordinary Year of Success Across Canada

    February 12, 2018

    The National Arts Centre’s 2016-2017 annual report, entitled On the Road with Canada 150, was tabled in Parliament last week. The report documents an extraordinary year of success, both at the NAC and across the country, during Canada’s sesquicentennial year. The highlights included: Canada Scene, the culmination of the NAC’s national, biennial festivals that featured 1,500... Read more

  10. National Arts Centre Flags Fly at Half-mast in Honour of Jazz-Great Tommy Banks

    January 26, 2018

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) has lowered its flag at half-mast in memory of the legendary Canadian pianist and international conductor Tommy Banks, who has died at the age of 81. Tommy Bank’s career spanned more than six decades and included performances with international celebrities including Aretha Franklin and Tony Bennett. He was an avid supporter of other Canadian artists, equally... Read more