Futureproofing Canada Why the Arts Matter to Canada’s Future
7 snips
Nov 26, 2025 
Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre, shares insights from his decades-long journey in Canada's performing arts scene. He emphasizes that the arts are crucial for national resilience and cultural cohesion. Deacon discusses how the NAC fosters empathy and supports diverse voices, including newcomers and Indigenous stories. He highlights the transformative power of memorable performances in shaping Canadian identity and how cultural initiatives bolster social policy and community engagement.
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Stories Mobilize National Resilience
- Stories and songs mobilize people's spirits and help societies face crises.
- Christopher Deacon argues arts express Canadian identities that inspire civic courage.
Grew Up With The NAC Site
- Christopher Deacon remembers peeking into the NAC construction site as a child with his father.
- His father later reviewed concerts and took him home by bus, linking family life to the Centre early on.
Design Spaces That Invite Belonging
- Open buildings and programming so people see themselves inside cultural spaces.
- Christopher Deacon advises designing welcome environments to turn passersby into regular attendees.
