Philanthropists make largest-gift ever to the NAC in support of excellence in the performing arts

Earle and Janice O’Born Make History by Supporting the National Arts Centre and Canadian talent with One of the Largest Donations Ever Made in the Performing Arts

October 5, 2019 – OTTAWA (Canada) – The National Arts Centre (NAC) is pleased to announce that Janice and Earle O’Born are making a transformational gift of $10 million, the largest single gift to the NAC that will help sustain artistic excellence at the NAC as it celebrates 50 years of producing and presenting the best in the performing arts in Canada.

“We believe that Canadian performing artists are among the best in the world. We are honoured to be able to make this gift to invest in the NAC and all performing artists. We strongly believe in helping others help themselves. The NAC is the national leader in supporting, developing and featuring excellence in the performing arts in Canada,” said Mrs. O’Born, who is Chair of the NAC Foundation Board of Directors.

Over the last decade, Mr. and Mrs. O’Born, from Toronto, have become major champions of the National Arts Centre through their support of Canadian performing artists, creation, touring and orchestral work, and with this latest gift they have sent a strong signal about the role the arts play in Canada and on the world stage. Recently, they were the Lead Partners of the NAC Orchestra’s 50th anniversary tour to Europe, and had previously made a major gift to the NAC’s first-ever national fundraising Campaign and the NAC’s National Creation Fund which provides risk capital to ambitious works in music, theatre and dance.

“Janice and Earle are champions of Canada and believe passionately in Canadian art and artists. We are honoured to have their trust and support to allow the NAC to continue to be a leader in the performing arts,” said Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre.

“We are so thankful for the sustained and long-term commitment from the O’Borns. The NAC Foundation is honoured to play a role in creating greater opportunities for Canada’s performing artists on our stages and on stages around the world”, added Jayne Watson, CEO of the NAC Foundation.

In conclusion, NAC Board of Trustees Chair Adrian Burns says: “Janice and Earle, you are true Nation Builders. All of us at the NAC thank you for this landmark gift towards the future of our national institution for the performing arts, and towards the future of so many Canadian artists.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Annabelle Cloutier

Executive Director, Communications and Public Affairs

National Arts Centre

613 947-7000 x260

613-301-2764

Annabelle.Cloutier@nac-cna.ca