About

© Yannick Beauvalet

People, partnerships and outreach

The NAC supports active participation in the arts to foster creativity, personal growth, and healthy communities, through learning and engagement outreach across Canada, particularly in rural and remote regions. 

Through partnerships, community consultations, multi-year programming, and the leadership of local artists, Arts Alive aims to support comprehensive, accessible, and youth-centred programs that celebrate and give a voice to equity-seeking communities and Indigenous cultures across Canada. 

In the Spotlight

Some stories or programs that are partnership-related

  • A reggae singer and her band performing on a stage. interview

    Jah’Mila brings her reggae roots to the classroom

    JUNO Award-nominated reggae artist Jah’Mila shares the importance of bringing the experience of live music to students. JUNO Award-nominated reggae artist Jah’Mila shares… JUNO Award-nominated reggae artist Jah’Mila shares the importance of bringing the experience of live music to students.

  • David Serkoak video

    Talking to youth through drumming

    More than 15 years after giving a workshop to young people in Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador, Inuit elder David Serkoak returned this past spring… More than 15 years after giving a workshop to young people… More than 15 years after giving a workshop to young people in Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador, Inuit elder David Serkoak returned this past spring to give a workshop in drum making and drum dancing.

  • Eskasoni-outside-img 2048 partnership

    Sparking a passion for theatre

    Youth from Eskasoni First Nation meet theatre professionals and learn theatre arts basics in a partnership between Cape Breton’s Highland… Youth from Eskasoni First Nation meet theatre professionals… Youth from Eskasoni First Nation meet theatre professionals and learn theatre arts basics in a partnership between Cape Breton’s Highland Arts Theatre and the community of Eskasoni.

  • Igniting-creativity-inclusive-arts-2022 video

    Inclusive Arts – On the Same Stage

    The H’art Centre in Kingston, Ontario shares stories of local professional artists and their experiences working on arts projects with D/deaf… The H’art Centre in Kingston, Ontario shares stories… The H’art Centre in Kingston, Ontario shares stories of local professional artists and their experiences working on arts projects with D/deaf artists and artists with disabilities. 

  • Arts-alive-ryan-and-richard-with-students-at-georgetown-elementary partnership

    Music as a tool for cultural exchange in schools

    The NAC and the Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra join forces to celebrate Indigenous culture with cross-cultural workshops. The NAC and the Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra join… The NAC and the Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra join forces to celebrate Indigenous culture with cross-cultural workshops.

“As Zoey herself is Cree and she was connecting with a Cree community, it helped to build and instill confidence with the youth that were part of the program. They could connect and see themselves reflected with this Indigenous role model.”

— Waukomaun Pawis, Connected North School Lead, Creating a Rap Song with Zoey Roy 

Where our programs have taken place

Arts Alive works with artists and communities in all ten provinces and all three territories, as well as internationally, largely through our diverse roster of educational, artistic, and community partners.

Learning and engagement at Canada’s National Arts Centre is made possible through the support of many generous individuals and organizations from across the country. Arts Alive is generously supported by the Azrieli Foundation, the Government of Nunavut, Canadian North, Calm Air, The River Philip Foundation, The Turnbull Family Community Building Foundation, and The Thomas Sill Foundation. Thank you also to Grant and Alice Burton, Canada Life, A Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation of Ottawa, Friends of the NAC Orchestra, Donors to the NAC Foundation's Future Fund, The Janice and Earle O’Born Fund for Artistic Excellence, and the donors and sponsors of the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust, the primary resource for youth and education funding at the National Arts Centre.