NAC Foundation
A commitment to the future of the arts builds on decades of support.
On November 28, Fred and Elizabeth Fountain extended their decades-long commitment to the performing arts with a $1 million dollar gift to the National Arts Centre Foundation. This gift addresses critical gaps in the cultural sector by championing professional development for early and mid-career artists. Fred believes that these initiatives “enrich the social fabric of our communities both at home and countrywide.”
The Fountains’ gift advances the NAC’s Strategic Plan, The Journey Ahead, and the Foundation’s $100 million campaign to revitalize the performing arts after the challenges of the pandemic.
“Fred and Elizabeth’s gift is a profound statement of belief in the power of the arts to inspire and transform lives. It is also a call to action—a reminder of what we can achieve together,” says Juniper Locilento, CEO of the NAC Foundation.
Campaign Co-Chairs Nancy McCain and the Honourable Bill Morneau agree. “Fred and Elizabeth extraordinary gift will ensure life-changing opportunities for artists across Canada,” they share. “Their vision and generosity will benefit us all.”
Over the past 20 years, the Fountains have supported the NAC Orchestra’s Young Artists Program, the Global Network for Women Music Producers, and the Music Alive Program, with a special focus on emerging talent from Atlantic Canada. Their legacy also includes the Fountain School of Performing Arts at Dalhousie University.
In recognition of the Fountains’ generosity and their longstanding commitment to the arts, the NAC has renamed one of our public spaces the Fred and Elizabeth Fountain Lobby.
Surrounded by family, friends, and supporters, Fred and Elizabeth were lauded for their inspiring legacy of support. “Fred and Elizabeth’s incredible generosity will have a major impact on the future of the arts in Canada,” says Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of the NAC. “By investing in professional development for emerging artists, they are enriching arts and culture in Canada for generations to come.”
