The National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa has turned to a familiar face to guide it through a challenging era for the performing arts. Annabelle Cloutier was officially named the institution's new President and Chief Executive Officer last week, becoming the first francophone woman to hold the prestigious position.
From Convent Piano to the National Stage
Cloutier's deep connection to the arts began in childhood. She first learned to play piano at the age of five under the guidance of nuns at the Mont Saint-Patrice Convent in Richmond, Quebec. Her musical journey never stopped, continuing through high school and university where she often organized and accompanied talent shows. Today, she is still an active pianist, currently working on pieces by Ravel and the iconic Canadian jazz musician Oscar Peterson.
In an interview at the NAC, seated near the famed Glenn Gould concert grand piano, Cloutier reflected on her early experiences. "I was the person people turn to and say: 'Can you accompany me?'" she said. "I enjoyed working with others — and making music." That collaborative spirit now defines her approach to leading Canada's pre-eminent performing arts organization.
Steering Through a 'Fragile' Moment for the Arts
Cloutier is not a newcomer to the NAC's operations. As an internal hire, she played a critical role in navigating the centre through the immense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She now assumes the top job at what she describes as a "fragile" moment for the sector, as institutions and artists continue to recover and rebuild.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time, following the departure of former artistic director Alexander Shelley and amidst ongoing financial and attendance pressures facing live performance venues across the country. Her intimate knowledge of the NAC's inner workings is seen as a major asset for ensuring stability and fostering growth.
A Lifelong Commitment Rooted in Community
Cloutier's dedication to preserving arts infrastructure is personal. She grew up in the 1970s in Richmond, Quebec, a town of about 3,000 residents northwest of Sherbrooke that maintained a surprisingly vibrant cultural scene. Her family's furniture store was located below their home.
That community faced a crisis in 1982 when the local school board decided to close the historic Mont Saint-Patrice Convent due to high maintenance costs. The nuns who ran the school, a hub for classical music training where Cloutier's mother had also studied, approached her father, Louis Cloutier, for help. He led a successful campaign to save the building, an early lesson for Annabelle in the power of community action to protect artistic heritage.
Now, Annabelle Cloutier brings that same determination to the national level. Her mission is to shepherd the NAC, a cornerstone of Canadian culture, through its current challenges and toward a sustainable and vibrant future, ensuring it continues to be a stage where the nation's talent can shine.
