The National Arts Centre is honoured that Sophie Grégoire Trudeau has agreed to serve as Honourary Chair for the National Arts Centre Gala, taking place on Saturday, October 22, 2016. For many years, the spouses of Canada’s Prime Ministers have acted as the Gala’s Honourary Chair, lending their support to the NAC’s major fundraising event. Following in the footsteps of Aline Chrétien, Sheila Martin and Laureen Harper, Ms. Grégoire Trudeau will champion the NAC’s efforts to bring the wonder of the performing arts to thousands of children across Canada through education, and outreach programmes in Music, Dance and Theatre.  

“Bringing the arts to children is critically important. I’ve been impressed by the work the National Arts Centre is doing to support the performing arts in Indigenous communities. The NAC’s Music Alive programme is doing ground-breaking work in the Arctic, and with children who live in rural and remote regions of Canada. I’m proud to support those efforts,” said Ms. Grégoire Trudeau

Jayne Watson, CEO of the NAC Foundation added, “Ms. Grégoire Trudeau is a long-time advocate for the arts and young people so we could not be happier to have her in the role of our Honourary Chair. Her professional career in the media and her advocacy work make her a perfect champion for this evening. We look forward to welcoming her and all our other guests on the night of the Gala for an evening of performance in support of young artists in Canada.”

ABOUT THE NAC GALA

The Gala is the NAC’s major fundraising event, and over the past 19 years, it has raised more than $11.6 million for the National Youth and Education Trust, supporting young Canadian artists and young audiences across Canada. This year it takes place on Saturday, October 22, and will feature the NAC’s dynamic Music Director, Alexander Shelley on the podium with the NAC Orchestra. The Gala’s special guest artist will be announced later.