Annabelle Cloutier has been appointed as the new president and CEO of the National Arts Centre (NAC), making her the first francophone woman to hold these positions. Cloutier, who joined the NAC in 2018 as the executive strategy and communications director and corporate secretary to the board, played key roles in the center’s 50th-anniversary celebrations and the establishment of its Indigenous theatre. Prior to her time at the NAC, she held positions in the governor general’s office and at francophone cultural organizations like the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française.
The previous president and CEO, Christopher Deacon, officially retired last week, paving the way for Cloutier to take on her new responsibilities. Guy Pratte, chair of the NAC board of trustees and head of the selection committee, expressed confidence in Cloutier’s leadership abilities, describing her as the ideal arts leader for Canada at this time.
In her statement following the appointment, Cloutier outlined her immediate priorities, including engaging with artists and arts leaders nationwide, actively connecting with the NAC’s audiences, and collaborating with and supporting the NAC team. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the performing arts continue to play a vital and meaningful role in Canada’s cultural landscape.
