Annabelle Cloutier Takes Helm of NAC During Critical Arts Era

Annabelle Cloutier has been appointed the new president and CEO of the National Arts Centre (NAC), marking a significant moment for the Canadian arts landscape. As the first francophone woman to lead the NAC, Cloutier steps into this role during what she describes as a “fragile” time for the performing arts sector. This transition comes after her pivotal contributions to the organization, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cloutier’s artistic journey began in a convent in the eastern townships of Quebec, where she learned to play the piano at the age of five. She is currently working on the second movement of the Ravel Concerto in G and has a deep appreciation for Oscar Peterson’s Hymn to Freedom. Her commitment to music continued throughout her education, where she actively participated in talent shows, often accompanying peers in their performances.

Growing up in a small town of Richmond, Quebec, Cloutier credits her family for nurturing the local arts scene. The town, with a population of around 3,000 residents, has a rich cultural heritage, partly due to the influence of a community of nuns who ran a girls’ school and preserved a tradition of classical music training. Cloutier’s father, Louis Cloutier, played a vital role in saving the Mont Saint-Patrice Convent from closure in 1982, which now operates as the Centre d’Art de Richmond.

Cloutier’s educational path led her to the University of Sherbrooke, where she studied law while continuing her involvement in the arts. After a brief stint practicing law, she shifted her focus to arts advocacy, working with the Fédération culturelle canadienne française. Her experience culminated in a nearly ten-year tenure at the Governor General’s office before joining the NAC in 2018 under the leadership of Peter Herrndorf.

In her role as executive director of strategy and communications, Cloutier navigated the NAC through the depths of the pandemic, adapting its offerings by moving performances online and finding ways to support artists whose livelihoods were impacted. “Survival was the mode,” she reflected on that period.

As audiences return to the NAC, Cloutier acknowledges that the performing arts sector remains in a precarious position. The challenges are not only about filling seats but also about the funding model that relies on a combination of government support, ticket sales, and donations. Cate Proctor, executive director of Ottawa Chamberfest, highlights that while audiences are returning, the sector’s recovery is slow, and financial pressures are mounting.

Erin Benjamin, president and CEO of the Canadian Live Music Association, emphasizes that smaller companies are feeling the strain most acutely. With government funding and programs contracting, competition for resources is intensifying, making it harder for these organizations to thrive.

Cloutier is determined to address these challenges head-on. She has committed to investing in the NAC’s National Creation Fund, which supports the development of new projects in the performing arts. This initiative aims to promote creativity and risk-taking, essential components for a vibrant cultural scene. “You always have to have a balance of the commercial success, but also telling stories not because they’re making money, but because they need to be told,” she stated.

In her first week as president and CEO, Cloutier met with employees, donors, and the newly-appointed Heritage Minister, Marc Miller. During their discussions, she expressed gratitude for the government’s support for cultural organizations, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in the arts. Cloutier believes that without such investments, society risks losing its cultural identity.

As she settles into her role, Cloutier remains committed to her musical roots. The night before her appointment, she made time for her weekly piano lesson, continuing to cultivate her love for music that has been a part of her life since childhood. In her new position, she aims to ensure that the NAC not only survives but thrives, fostering a resilient arts community in Canada.