NAC hits 50th anniversary this year -- here's what's on

Photo via NAC

(Via National Arts Centre)

The National Arts Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019 with an array of special programming and activities that includes a public Open House on June 2, 2019 – exactly 50 years to the day that the NAC first opened its doors in 1969. That momentous occasion drew more than 40,000 people eager to explore the extraordinary, multi-disciplinary and bilingual new home for the performing arts in Canada.

Fifty years later, the NAC is a catalyst for performance, creation and learning – a thriving, national performing arts organization that makes a difference to artists, arts organizations and communities across Canada. Some examples: In its first year, the National Creation Fund has invested $2.9 million of privately raised funds in 19 ambitious new creations from across Canada, including Revisor by Kidd Pivot, which next month presents its sold-out world premiere at the Vancouver Playhouse. The NAC’s Music Alive Program, which empowers Canada’s rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities through music and the arts, is active in Nunavut, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Atlantic Canada. And in the fall of 2019, NAC Indigenous Theatre will begin its historic first season of programming, shining a light on the voices and stories of Indigenous artists on the national stage.

“The National Arts Centre is proud of its national role, and honoured to be celebrating 50 wonderful years in partnership with so many outstanding arts organizations from across the country,” said NAC President and CEO Christopher Deacon. “It’s a wonderful milestone, and we invite all Canadians to celebrate with us in 2019.”

The Open House on June 2, 2019 will include free performances and activities for the whole family in the NAC’s performance halls, public spaces and backstage areas. More programming details will be announced in the coming months.

Read more about the NAC’s special 50th anniversary programming…