Art and Politics: The History of the National Arts Centre.

Sarah Jennings, a political/cultural journalist, gives a detailed account of the trials and tribulations of Canada’s National Arts Centre in Ottawa. As the title suggests, the book is more than a chronology of events. It is an insightful commentary on the political context within which the NAC was created and evolved for over 40 years. It also represents the numerous artists, artistic leaders, administrators, and politicians who have contributed to this great cultural institution.

The book is divided in three parts, starting with the Southam years, a tribute to G. Hamilton Southam who was the driving force behind the creation and the burgeoning early years of the NAC. With the full support of Pearson’s Liberal government, the National Arts Centre Act received Royal Assent July 14, 1966. From that starting point right up to the late 1970s the building was completed and the music, theatre, and dance programs were well-established and successful. But that success came at a cost and by the time Southam retired as the director general in 1977, the Centre had accumulated an important deficit. Moreover, at the time Trudeau’s Liberal government was pushing to democratize the arts, which meant supporting small efforts throughout the country rather than large-scale productions in Ottawa.

The second part recounts a darker period for the NAC with deficit financing, the Applebaum-Hébert Report, and widespread patronage appointments. But Donald MacSween, the second director general, was relentless in fighting for the importance of the Centre as an agent of national unity. Finally, the third part, describes the NAC’s renaissance period led by broadcast technology and the approval of private donations, which led to the Alexei Yashin Foundation for the Performing Arts scandal.

Arts and Politics is well documented and entertaining, complete with photos, extensive notes, and a good index of names. But there are a few surprising mistakes with the names of prominent Quebecois singers. She mentions Pierre Ferland, who’s name is actually Jean-Pierre Ferland and refers to the “boy singer” René Simard as René Claude. Renée Claude is a well-known female singer and actress.