Who we Are

Mission 

The Association for Opera in Canada is a membership-based association for opera companies, opera artists, businesses, teaching institutions, and individuals. Our mandate is to create and sustain an environment that makes opera central to Canadian life. We work with members across the sector to mitigate challenges, celebrate successes, and help opera thrive in a changing environment. We are a communications hub, a connector and convenor, a champion and catalyst for change, and a relentless advocate. 

Core Service Commitment 

We are committed to: 

Communications: Continuously improving our services as a communications hub from AOC to members, the public and stakeholders, and between members; and to better tell the story of the positive impact opera has in communities across the country.  

Convening: Acting as a convening body for the sector to come together  

Advocacy: Advocating at the federal level for and on behalf of the opera sector to support increased investment in the sector through greater public engagement.  

Member Services: Delivering an evolving program of member services to the sector that responds to the changes in the field;  

Collaboration: Working collaboratively with other arts service organizations to maximize impact. 

Key Partnership 

Our innovative and forward-looking relationship with OPERA America is one of the strengths of AOC and allows us to create a truly unique arrangement that responds to the needs of its members and the broader Canadian opera and music theatre community. Governed by a unique fee-for-service agreement, all AOC members access the services and benefits of OPERA America, connecting members with their North American colleagues, sharing information such as production directories, coproduction opportunities, and HR information. Through OPERA America, our members deepen opportunities to connect and explore in the many forums OPERA America offers from New Works, Tech/Production, Marketing, and Governance, to name just a few.