NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE CANCELS ALL PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS UNTIL SUNDAY APRIL 5
March 13, 2020 – OTTAWA – Christopher Deacon, President and CEO of the National Arts Centre has issued the following statement :
The health and safety of our visitors, artists, and staff is of paramount importance. Due to the unprecedented pandemic of the COVID-19 coronavirus, we are cancelling all performances and events at the National Arts Centre until Sunday April 5, 2020.
This decision is the right thing to do to keep our community safe and healthy. Our audience expects nothing less of us. We take comfort in knowing that the NAC and its dedicated staff will be doing their part to help reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured we will make every effort to accommodate our patrons and artists at this difficult time.
The NAC is taking the following measures effective immediately and continuing until Sunday April 5:
All ticketed performances and free public events are cancelled;
- Events booked through our Food and Beverage department (conferences, meetings) are cancelled during this period;
- Our public spaces will remain accessible although there will be no programming;
- The NAC’s 1 Elgin restaurant will close to the public for the duration of cancellation measures;
- The NAC Parking garage will remain open for business;
- All other NAC operations will continue.
Message to NAC Ticket Buyers Regarding Refunds and Exchanges
All tickets for cancelled performances will be exchanged or refunded. As we are making this important announcement, we ask ticket buyers to be patient with us. Rest assured that we will take care of all ticket buyers. Your understanding is appreciated. Please visit https://nac-cna.ca/en/tickets/exchange or call 1-844-985-2787 if you have additional questions.
Additional COVID-19 Measures
We encourage everyone to follow advice from public health agencies. While our shows and events are cancelled, we continue to take the following additional measures at the NAC:
- Our facilities maintenance team is taking extra care to sanitize all public spaces, including doorknobs, handrails and other surfaces;
- Hand sanitizer is available in our spaces—but the best thing to do is wash your hands (sing Happy Birthday for 20 seconds for proper duration);
- We are asking staff and the public to stay home if they present symptoms;
- Informational signs are displayed in every restroom and throughout the space reminding visitors and patrons of best practices to promote health and prevent the spread of infection.
The NAC cares deeply about keeping our communities healthy. We ask that the public:
- Practice social-distancing;
- Consider elbow bumps – or perhaps jazz hands – instead of handshakes;
- If you are experiencing sneezing, coughing, or fever, please stay home;
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available)!
The coming days and weeks may bring tough challenges. We ask that everyone take care and stay healthy.
With thanks,
Christopher Deacon
President and CEO
National Arts Centre
