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The NAC returns to the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais
February 8, 2024We are pleased to be partnering with the Salon du livre de l’Outaouais for the first time since 2020, when the pandemic forced the collaboration to be put on hold. There’s a full schedule of events planned for this important cultural landmark, which will be taking place from February 22 to…
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Investing in creativity and new beginnings
February 8, 2024Is there such a thing as a true beginning? Whether we’re talking about the start of a year, a new creation, or – in my case – a job, the word beginning can feel not quite right. For example, does creation begin with the spark of an idea, the first time you describe a concept to someone…
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What is a Spirit Horse?
February 7, 2024The NAC Orchestra and NAC Indigenous Theatre join forces to present The Spirit Horse Returns in Southam Hall Do you know about Spirit Horses? They are small Indigenous horses that used to live alongside First Nations throughout the Boreal forests of Canada and the United States. Ken…
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Ottawa’s artistic haven: The Studio experience
February 1, 2024Imagine a space where creativity knows no bounds, where artistic expression flows freely, and innovation thrives. Welcome to the intimate Azrieli Studio at the National Arts Centre, where unforgettable moments in theatre, music, and dance happen, drawing you closer to the action. Step…
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New Resident Conductor position opens with NAC Orchestra
February 1, 2024The National Arts Centre Orchestra (NACO) announces the creation of a new Resident Conductor Program for Canadian conductors, beginning in the 2024-25 concert season. Supporting professional development for early career artists is a strategic priority of the National Arts Centre. The new…
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Paving the way in Ballet: A profile on Alexander Skinner
January 26, 2024Alexander Skinner is performing at the NAC in both Helen Pickett’s Emma Bovary and Crystal Pite’s Angels’ Atlas. On February 1st, which marks the first day of Black History Month, The National Ballet of Canada presents a stunning double bill in Southam Hall. Alexander Skinner, a Corps de…
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Fur-ocious satire flipping the script of Canadian history
January 23, 2024Frances Končan’s Women of the Fur Trade is a comedic and playful look at Canadian history, re-examining the narratives of Treaty 1 territory, the fur trade era, and the building of a new nation through a vibrant mix of rom-com and satirical gold. Frances is an Anishinaabe and Slovene…
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From the ice to the stage: Sean St. John’s journey to empower...
January 23, 2024Question: What do sports, the performing arts and the National Bank of Canada have in common? Answer: Teamwork, community, the desire to empower youth, and Sean St. John. Sean is an Ottawa-born descendant of Irish, French, and Mohawk First Nations heritage. He is also an Executive Vice…
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Victor Quijada, Artistic Director and Choreographer of RUBBERBAND
January 22, 2024Meet RUBBERBAND’s Artistic Director and Choreographer Victor Quijada! From street dance to classical ballet, Victor Quijada’s journey as a dancer is quite unique. He grew up in Los Angeles where he danced in the b-boying circles and hip-hop clubs, moved to New York City to join Twyla…
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Dance for Every Body
January 12, 2024Siôned Watkins, NAC Dance Education Associate and Teaching Artist, is making dance accessible for all. A former professional dancer, she is grateful to have made the leap from performing on the NAC stage to working for the NAC to promote, celebrate, and share the gifts of movement and…
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A Life-Changing Gift
January 12, 2024Devang Ghosh, a third-year Carleton University student, celebrated an important anniversary when he attended Handel’s Messiah at the NAC in December—it was the very first NAC performance he saw a little over a year ago. “That evening sparked a love for the performing arts within me,” he…
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99 and counting…
January 12, 2024Maryse Robillard has been a part of the fabric of the National Arts Centre for over 50 years! She turns 100 this February, so we thought it would be a good moment to celebrate her as a volunteer extraordinaire, a long-time loyal donor, and a member of the Emeritus Circle. Maryse knows…
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National Creation Fund’s new Artistic Producer encourages bold artistic dreams
January 11, 2024Sarah Conn loves dreaming with artists. “Listening to artists share early whispers of creative dreams is one of the most beautiful things,” she says. “Often these whispers are cryptic clues – a question, a feeling, an image, a sound.” The newly-appointed Artistic Producer of the NAC’s…
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Margarete Mrak: A gift that transcends time
December 18, 2023Margarete Mrak, the beloved matriarch of the Mark Motors Group, passed away on October 30, 2023, eleven years after her husband, Louis. Among the many gifts she leaves her children, including the qualities of grace, integrity and acceptance of people and circumstances, is an appreciation…
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Producers, the “Alchemists” of the Performing Arts
December 7, 2023For the second consecutive year, the National Arts Centre (NAC) hosted the National Producer Gathering. Held from November 20 to 25, this gathering was an opportunity for the dozen participants to share their knowledge and find solutions to the issues they face. Despite the crucial role…
