OTTAWA, June 2, 2009 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, today congratulated the National Arts Centre (NAC) on its 40th anniversary while taking part in a celebration to mark this milestone event.
"Our Government is proud of the National Art Centre's achievements and success in promoting the performing arts in Canada," said Minister Moore. "A particular point of pride is the NAC's ongoing focus on youth and education, which helps foster the next generation of performing artists."
"For 40 years, the National Arts Centre has been at the heart of Canada's artistic life, and we are truly grateful to the artists, craftspeople, donors, and audiences who have come together over the years to create magic on our stages," said Julia Foster, Chair of the NAC Board of Trustees.
Since the opening night of June 2, 1969, the NAC has played host to classical dance companies like the National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. In addition, the NAC has presented more than 70 Canadian musical works, introduced Canadian audiences to some of the world's most dynamic dancers and dance companies, and raised the curtain for great Canadian actors like William Hutt, Martha Henry, Shirley Douglas, Paul Gross, Stephen Ouimette, Kate Reid, Monique Mercure, Jean-Louis Roux, and Paul Savoie.
The Government of Canada supports the National Arts Centre in its mission to develop and showcase the performing arts in the National Capital Region and across Canada. Home to the acclaimed National Arts Centre Orchestra, the NAC is a multidisciplinary performing arts centre that features classical music, dance, English- and French-language theatre, variety shows, and regional programming. The NAC takes part in co-productions with other organizations throughout the country, hosts festivals, and reaches out to audiences across Canada and around the world. For more information, visit www.nac-can.ca.
Information:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
