Archiving Canada's Stage

Archiving Canada's Stage marks the first time that students in the School of Information Studies conducted research projects at the National Arts Centre. In the Fall 2022 session, students in the Master of Information Studies program brought their multi-disciplinary backgrounds and cultural heritage expertise to the archives to explores the NAC's history.

Students began their journey with a tour of the NAC and its archives, letting their interest in artefacts guide their topic selection. One group of students was drawn to the workFrench-Canadian artist Zïlon, who designed artwork for plays by Robert Lepage. Two other groups explored Indigenous cultural history on the NAC's stage, highlighting the critical shift in NAC programming with the development of Indigenous Theatre. Another group found Maestro Mario Bernard's baton and delved into the conductor's history and legacy with the NAC Orchestra. 

The archives are also a trove of the building's history and one group found an interest in a collection of chairs preserving the NAC's history. Other elements of the building's history concern the artwork and items found in the NAC's building that became part of the NAC's story but are perhaps no longer relevant to the institution. The group interested in these items drew on their expertise in the archives themselves and used the NAC's policy to explore the process of deaccessioning.

  • Redefining Cultural Balance at the NAC: Inuit Performing Arts
  • The Unnatural and Accidental Women (2019): Leading The Way for Change at the NAC Inidgenous Theatre
  • French Theatre at the National Arts Centre: 1990-1991 Artworks
  • Mario Bernardi: Architect of the NAC Orchestra
  • NAC Chairstories
  • Deaccessioning at the NAC

Archiving Canada's Stage