The National Arts Centre (NAC) has appointed Annabelle Cloutier as the new president and CEO, marking her as the first francophone woman to take on these leadership roles. Cloutier has been part of the NAC team since 2018, serving as the executive strategy and communications director as well as the corporate secretary to the board. During her tenure, she played a key role in the NAC’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the establishment of its Indigenous theatre program.
Before joining the NAC, Cloutier held positions in the governor general’s office and within francophone cultural organizations like the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française. The previous president and CEO, Christopher Deacon, recently retired, paving the way for Cloutier to step into her new role.
Guy Pratte, the chair of the NAC board of trustees and head of the selection committee, expressed confidence in Cloutier’s leadership abilities, stating that she embodies the qualities needed in a modern arts leader. Cloutier herself emphasized the importance of engaging with artists and arts leaders nationwide, connecting with audiences, and supporting the NAC team to uphold the performing arts as a vital component of Canadian culture.
The appointment of Annabelle Cloutier signifies a significant milestone in the NAC’s history, marking a new chapter under her leadership.