News Releases

  1. THE JOURNEY AHEAD: THE NAC’S 2023-2026 STRATEGIC PLAN

    September 7, 2023

    The NAC Unveils its Vision, Values and Strategic Goals, along with Actions Plans on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism and Environmental Sustainability  SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 – OTTAWA – The National Arts Centre, led by President and CEO Christopher Deacon, today unveiled its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan, The Journey Ahead. It details how the NAC will continue to work with... Read more

  2. The NAC celebrates 25 years of the annual Gala with soprano Renée Fleming and the NAC Orchestra

    August 24, 2023

    The 2023 edition is a musical and celebratory tribute to philanthropists Janice and Earle O’Born.   OTTAWA, Canada, August 24, 2023 — World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming will headline the 25th NAC Gala on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in Southam Hall. For the first time since 2013, she will share the stage with... Read more

  3. Kevin Loring’s Tenure as NAC Indigenous Theatre Artistic Director Renewed for Four Years Until 2026-2027

    May 9, 2023

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) is proud to announce that Kevin Loring’s tenure as NAC Indigenous Theatre Artistic Director has been renewed for four years, from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2027. Since taking on the position in 2017 and launching the inaugural season of Indigenous Theatre in 2019-2020, Kevin Loring has programmed bold and ambitious artistic works “with one foot in... Read more

  4. National Arts Centre Mourns the Loss of Jocelyn Morlock

    March 28, 2023

    Canada’s National Arts Centre is mourning the loss of Jocelyn Morlock, a remarkably gifted Canadian composer and a bright light for contemporary music in Canada. Her work was celebrated by many, including the National Arts Centre Orchestra, who commissioned her JUNO Award-winning work My Name is Amanda Todd as part of the landmark multimedia commission Life Reflected. My Name is Amanda... Read more

  5. STATEMENT: National Arts Centre and Luminato Festival Mourn the Loss of Peter Herrndorf (1940-2023)

    February 18, 2023

    Canada’s National Arts Centre (NAC) and Luminato Festival Toronto are mourning the loss of Peter A. Herrndorf, C.C., O. Ont., one of Canada’s greatest cultural leaders. He was 82 years-old. Peter Herrndorf was the NAC’s visionary former President and CEO who served from 1999 to 2018, and was a founding Board Director of Luminato Festival Toronto from 2006, and Chair from 2018 to... Read more

  6. Jayne Watson to Step Down as CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation on May 31, 2023

    February 9, 2023

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) today announced that Jayne Watson will step down as CEO of the National Arts Centre Foundation on May 31, 2023. Jayne Watson joined the NAC in 2001, serving as Director of Communications and Public Affairs until 2009 before she was appointed CEO of the Foundation. Under her leadership, the Foundation set new fundraising records – more than $125 million since... Read more

  7. STATEMENT: NAC flags Fly at Half-mast in Honour of Legendary Theatre Director André Brassard

    October 12, 2022

    It was with great sadness that the National Arts Centre (NAC) learned of the death of theatre legend André Brassard, who served as artistic director of the NAC's French Theatre from 1982 to 1990. Unparalleled stage director, tireless champion of local and international authors, and dedicated teacher, André Brassard played a central role in Quebec’s theatre community... Read more

  8. NAC Orchestra Music Director Alexander Shelley Contract Extended to 2025-2026 Season

    September 8, 2022

    The National Arts Centre (NAC) is pleased to announce a three-year contract extension for Alexander Shelley as Music Director of the NAC Orchestra, from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2026. Since taking on the role of Music Director in 2015, Alexander Shelley has led the NAC Orchestra through transformational initiatives and major tours, highlighting the ensemble’s national role and... Read more

  9. STATEMENT: NAC Flags Fly at Half-Mast in Honour of Renowned Choreographer, performer and Mentor Tedd Robinson

    August 31, 2022

    It was with great sadness that the National Arts Centre (NAC) learned of the death of Tedd Robinson, a beloved figure in Canada's dance community, creative innovator in the performing arts, treasured mentor, and artistic consultant to innumerable dance artists in Canada and abroad.  A MAVERICK Tedd Robinson’s enduring legacy is the extraordinary body of work he created over his... Read more

  10. NAC Flags Fly at Half-mast in Honour of Renowned Conductor and Composer Bramwell Tovey

    July 13, 2022

    It was with great sadness the National Arts Centre (NAC) learned of the death of Bramwell Tovey, a towering figure in Canada’s classical music world and an influential arts leader worldwide. Maestro Tovey was a conductor and prolific composer with a body of work spanning more than 40 years.  The charismatic Tovey was known for his easy connections with audiences and musicians alike. He... Read more