When the National Arts Centre first opened in 1969, it was celebrated as an innovative multi-disciplinary performing arts centre. But it was also lauded for its impressive art collection.
“The NAC was one of the first public buildings with a budget devoted to the visual arts,” said Robert VanderBerg, Manager of Patron Services and Archives, pictured here with The Three Graces by the Russian-born artist Ossip Zadkine. The NAC’s artworks, many of which have been in storage during the NAC’s Architectural Rejuvenation Project, are now returning. Glenn Gould’s beloved piano, CD318, is back in its home on the Mezzanine. Over the coming months, the NAC will re-install the Jessie Oonark tapestry and Musica by Leonardo Nierman, among many others.
Recently the NAC has also been exhibiting interactive art. Frost, a 6.1-metre sculpture by Studio F Minus that lights up upon touch, illuminated the Canal Foyer throughout the winter. Frost followed Cloud, a tremendously popular sculpture of 6,000 light bulbs in the shape of a cloud that was here as part of Canada Scene. It’s time to rediscover the NAC’s fantastic art collection.
Prélude magazine – Your Scene
Spring 2018