The National Arts Centre (NAC) is mourning the loss of Max Keeping, the legendary news anchor and community fundraiser who spent a lifetime supporting so many wonderful organizations in the nation’s capital.

Mr. Keeping was a supporter of the National Arts Centre Orchestra and particularly liked to work with the musicians to bring attention to their efforts during the holiday season. On two occasions the players of the NAC Orchestra invited Max to conduct them in their annual Fanfair concert, a free holiday event that attracts hundreds of families each year to the NAC.

“Max Keeping was a major supporter of many organizations in the city, including the National Arts Centre,” said NAC President and CEO Peter Herrndorf. “His spirit of community building was infectious and we were fortunate to welcome him here many times in support of the arts.”

“Max Keeping was a great friend of the musicians of the National Arts Centre,” said David Thies-Thompson, a violist and organizer of the annual Fanfair concert. “Max conducted us twice and hosted the event several times. Over the course of the 25 years the NAC Orchestra’s Players Association has raised close to $1 Million to support the Ottawa Snowsuit Fund and the Ottawa Food Bank.”

Mr. Keeping also helped the NAC Foundation launch the Share the Spirit campaign in 2009, which raises money that allow children from disadvantaged families to enjoy holiday programming at the NAC at no cost.

“Max was a believer in Share the Spirit because he knew the power that the performing arts has in bringing joy to people’s lives,” said Jayne Watson, CEO of the NAC Foundation. "He was a wonderful man, who helped raise more than $100 million for organizations across the city. He was a role model for all of us.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Rosemary Thompson,
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
National Arts Centre
613 947-7000 x260
rthompson@nac-cna.ca