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National Arts Centre 2018-2019 Annual Report

2018–2019 Highlights

  • The National Arts Centre Foundation sincerely thanks the donors, sponsors and foundations from across Canada who support performance, creation and learning nationwide. Here are just a few highlights from the 2018–2019 season.
  • On October 3, 2018, the 22nd annual NAC Gala featured Alexander Shelley, the NAC Orchestra, and a stunning performance by the legendary Diana Ross. Bonnie and John Buhler were once again the Honorary Patrons for the event, which raised more than $780,000 (net) for the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust in support of performing arts education across Canada.
  • In 2018–2019, 62 generous donors named individual seats as part of the Name your Seat in Southam Hall Campaign, pledging $310,000 in support of performance, creation, and learning across Canada.
  • The Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, presented by Air Canada, took place at the NAC on April 27, 2019. Amoryn Engel and Craig Landry were the Co-Chairs of the National Committee of volunteers, and Emmanuelle Gattuso was the Honorary Chair.
  • Since it opened in 2017, the National Creation Fund, which is supported entirely by donors to the Creation Campaign, has invested a total of $4.8 million in the development of 30 ambitious new works by artists and arts organizations across the country.
  • The NAC Orchestra’s 50th Anniversary European Tour included eight concerts and more than 60 learning and engagement activities, and showcased the work of six Canadian composers from May 10 to 26. The Tour was made possible with leadership support from Tour Champions Janice and Earle O’Born, Major Partners Margaret Fountain, C.M., DFA(h) and David Fountain, C.M., Education Partner Dasha Shenkman, OBE, Hon RCM, and Supporting Partner Elinor Gill Ratcliffe, C.M., O.N.L., LL.D. (hc).
  • Support from the Slaight Family Foundation continued to bring emerging artists to the NAC Fourth Stage as part of the NAC Presents monthly series Slaight Music Saturdays.
  • National Arts Centre Foundation CEO Jayne Watson received the 2018 Outstanding Fundraising Professional award from the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Ottawa chapter.
  • On June 2, 2019, the day of the National Arts Centre’s 50th anniversary, the NAC hosted a free open house that featured backstage tours, performing arts workshops, and an NAC Orchestra concert led by Alexander Shelley. The anniversary events and programs were made possible with support from Gail Asper, O.C., O.M., LL.D. and Michael Paterson, Bonnie and John Buhler, Alice and Grant Burton, Margaret Fountain, C.M., DFA (h) and David Fountain, C.M., Elinor Gill Ratcliffe, C.M., O.N.L., LL.D. (hc), Janice and Earle O’Born, Gail O’Brien, LL.D. and David O’Brien, O.C., and Dasha Shenkman, OBE, Hon RCM.
  • A generous donation from Donald Walcot, a member of the NAC Board of Trustees, enabled the NAC to host the North American premiere of the renowned European BIG BANG festival for children and families on February 17 and 18. This unique event attracted 8,000 children and families to the NAC, where they enjoyed a host of free and low-cost performances.
  • The NAC’s Share the Spirit program, presented by Sun Life Financial, allows deserving families and community groups across the National Capital Region to experience the wonder of live performance. In 2018–2019, 895 donors enabled nearly 500 tickets to be distributed to the NAC’s local partner organizations. Additionally, hundreds more tickets were provided to community groups through various partnerships with the NAC’s theatre, dance and music disciplines.
  • The 22nd and final edition of the Young Artists Program was a great success. The program is made possible by the wonderful generosity of individual donors and corporations to the NAC’s National Youth and Education Trust, its Lead Partner Rogers and Honorary Patron Sara Vered.
  • The Institute for Orchestral Studies, presented by RBC for a fourth year, welcomed five apprentices for six weeks of intense training and performance opportunities with the NAC Orchestra.
  • 2018–2019 marked the 21st year of partnership between the NAC Orchestra and Mark Motors of Ottawa as Title Sponsor of the Audi Signature Series. The NAC Foundation is grateful for their longstanding and generous support.