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Why I give to the performing arts: Dasha Shenkman
April 29, 2024I’m delighted to be supporting the NACO Mentorship Program, something that is very close to my heart. Although I have lived most of my life in England, I was born in Ottawa and have always felt Canadian, as opposed to British. So, there is a very strong connection for me to this city. My…
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The Spirit Horse Returns: A Fun Afternoon of Artmaking with Rhonda Snow
March 14, 2024The NAC’s Canal Lobby was a creative playground for audience members of all ages on February 11, preceding the NAC Orchestra and NAC Indigenous Theatre’s sold-out performance of The Spirit Horse Returns. Anishinaabe artist and Ojibwe horse breed expert Rhonda Snow delighted patrons with…
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Championing Francophone creativity
March 14, 2024In recent months, the National Creation Fund, fuelled by donors, has played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of Quebec artists and propelling their creative endeavors to new heights. Projet Polytechnique Since November, the documentary theatre company Porte Parole has been touring…
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Dance for Every Body
January 12, 2024Siôned Watkins, NAC Dance Education Associate and Teaching Artist, is making dance accessible for all. A former professional dancer, she is grateful to have made the leap from performing on the NAC stage to working for the NAC to promote, celebrate, and share the gifts of movement and…
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A Life-Changing Gift
January 12, 2024Devang Ghosh, a third-year Carleton University student, celebrated an important anniversary when he attended Handel’s Messiah at the NAC in December—it was the very first NAC performance he saw a little over a year ago. “That evening sparked a love for the performing arts within me,” he…
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99 and counting…
January 12, 2024Maryse Robillard has been a part of the fabric of the National Arts Centre for over 50 years! She turns 100 this February, so we thought it would be a good moment to celebrate her as a volunteer extraordinaire, a long-time loyal donor, and a member of the Emeritus Circle. Maryse knows…
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The gift of free performance
November 6, 2023The NAC’s summer series returned for its second year. In July and August, more than 5,500 audience members came to the NAC to enjoy over 200 free performances and activities. Performances featured a wide range of Canadian and international artists in and around the NAC, from the Thalea…
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A story that one learns over a lifetime: Mahabharata
November 6, 2023Your generous support of the NAC’s National Creation Fund recently helped a new production make waves across the pond. After having its world premiere at the Shaw Festival in March 2023, Mahabharata, written and adapted by Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes of Why Not Theatre, had its…
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Creating a House of Dreams Together: A Q&A with Juniper Locilento
November 6, 2023Our new CEO, Juniper Locilento, joined the NAC Foundation on August 21. With 20 years of experience in philanthropy and non-profit leadership — and a background in Opera — she brings a unique perspective to her role. Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that inspired your…
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Professional pathways: Learning opportunities for artists and arts professionals
August 15, 2023This year, 46 talented young artists from around the world came together for the annual NAC Orchestra Mentorship Program – a unique, three-week professional development program for emerging orchestral musicians, conductors, and librarians. NACO musicians served as principal faculty,…
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Sector Recovery: cross-Canada partnerships, co-productions, and touring
August 15, 2023It was full speed ahead for Mani Soleymanlou's first NAC French Theatre season as Artistic Director. Un. Deux. Trois., an epic performance written and directed by Mani, opened at the NAC in September 2022 before going on tour to eight other Canadian cities—Sudbury, Toronto, Montréal,…
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Sarah Jennings: Sharing a lifelong passion for opera
June 15, 2023Sarah Jennings, political and cultural journalist and author of the book Art and Politics: The History of the National Arts Centre is a longtime friend and champion of the NAC. Her most recent gift to the NAC Foundation supports the NAC Orchestra’s in-concert performances of Mozart’s Don…
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Little Red Warrior and His Lawyer’s Journey to the NAC Stage
June 2, 2023Some things are worth waiting for. Over the past 18 months, NAC Indigenous Theatre Artistic Director Kevin Loring’s satirical play, Litte Red Warrior and His Lawyer, has challenged and entertained audiences from Victoria to Ottawa. A huge impact from its first performance, this play has…
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An Investment for Tomorrow
June 2, 2023On Thursday, May 11, the National Arts Centre Foundation celebrated a very special group of donors: those who have chosen to support the future of the performing arts by leaving a gift in their Will. Members of that special group—the Emeritus Circle—enjoyed an afternoon tea before watching…
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Bringing the Power of Reggae Music and More to Students Across the...
June 2, 2023It has been an eventful first season for Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, the National Arts Centre’s Orchestra’s Principal Youth Conductor and Creative Partner, full of wonderful music making and important firsts. In February 2022, Daniel became the first Black titled conductor in the NAC…
