Updates from Culture & Events City of Nanaimo // MARCH 2024 | Welcome to the first edition of 2024! We have been very busy, and are excited to share it all with you! | 2024 Culture Awards Wednesday, April 3 | 7PM | The Port Theatre FREE Event | The City of Nanaimo is inviting you to celebrate our arts and culture community at the 2024 Culture Awards, happening at the Port Theatre on Wednesday, April 3rd beginning at 7:00PM. Three extraordinarily talented Culture Award recipients will be honoured at the event. Tickets are FREE and the evening will showcase performances by Nanaimo’s very own local talent, including a special performance by Alternative-Island-Folk duo, From the Earth. Tickets are available now through the Port Theatre – don’t hesitate to snap yours up! Get Your Tickets Here! | 2024 Temporary Public Art Projects Announced | The City of Nanaimo is excited to announce the selection of two new public art projects by artists Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun and Robert Turriff as part of the 2024 Temporary Public Art program. “Siwul tu Tumuxw” by Eliot White-Hill is a sound installation that will be experienced in the Old City Quarter. “Re-wilders” by Robert Turriff will involve the creation of a collection of sculptural creatures that will be found in Colliery Dam Park. Both projects will be installed in spring/ early summer of this year and on display for public engagement and enjoyment for up to five years. For more information on these two projects, visit our website: City of Nanaimo - Temporary Public Art | Images: Examples of each artist's practice; Robert Turriff (left), Eliot White-Hill Kwulasultun (right). | 2024 - 2026 Urban Design Roster Revealing New and Returning Artists and Designers | The City of Nanaimo welcomes 21 new and returning artists and designers from across British Columbia to the Urban Design Roster for a two-year term (2024-2026) as part of the City's public art programs. Artists and designers engaged as part of the Roster have an opportunity to be involved in civic urban design and small-scale artwork related to city infrastructure, from artistic wraps on utility boxes to small-scale murals and more! Artists and designers new to the Urban Design Roster include: Anais Lera; Bernadette McCormack; David Martinello; Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun; Jillian Mundy; Kristen Elkow; Pauline Gallinat; Pellvetica; and Stephanie Teichman. Artists and designers returning to the Urban Design Roster for a second term include: Amy Pye; Ay Lelum; Noel Brown; Emily Thiessen; Erin Gibbs; Humanity in Art; Mauro Dalla Costa; Patrick Belanger; Robert Plante; Roz Maclean; Sebastian Abboud; and Sarita Mielke of WILD/FREE Creative. | | 2024 City of Nanaimo Street Banner Design Marking 150 Years Since Incorporation | The 2024 Street Banner Design Program sought proposals from artists focused on the theme, ‘150 Years’, to mark 150 years since the City of Nanaimo’s incorporation in 1874. Nanaimo artist Amy Pye’s outstanding design was selected. Inspired by the convergence of land and sea, and the unique blend of urban and rural life that makes our landscape truly exceptional, Amy Pye’s design will grab attention and inspire thoughtful reflection throughout the year. Street banners will be installed in early spring. | Interested to learn more about Nanaimo 150? Click the link below to visit our website for more details! Nanaimo 150 | Announcing Nanaimo's Newest Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce | Introducing Nanaimo’s newest Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce! Paige was appointed to the position of Youth Poet Laureate for her ability to engage and inspire community, as well as her innovative ideas regarding her vision for the position, and the future engagement of Nanaimo’s young literary community. In this role, she will serve as a “young people’s poet”, raising awareness of poetry and the positive impact the literary arts can have on community life. Youth Poetry Summer Camp with Paige Pierce July 22 - 26 | 1 - 4PM | Beban Park | # 117057 | $30 Join Nanaimo’s newest Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce, for a truly unique opportunity to develop skills as a beginner poet. Paige will guide participants in experimenting with different styles of poetry and building an understanding of voice in literature – creating community in the process! Ages 12-18. | The Truth About Poetry, By: Paige Pierce the truth about poetry is that it sits restless in my belly it scrubs the inside of my veins with words harsh and unbreathable a resounding silence in place of cravings for song the hymns I cannot seem to shake no matter my philosophy I wish I could hear the hush of writers long dead resurrect their unwoven legacies and pour them into something tangible the truth about poetry is that it’s relentless it never quiets and it never sleeps | | Call for Youth Poets! We have a call for youth poetry to help us celebrate Poetry month in April. The deadline is March 31st and the Call is open to anyone under the age of 18. More Information Here! | Poetry in the Park with Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar | An exciting project with the City of Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar, is adding poetry to Bowen Park! During your next nature walk through the Park, look for lines of poetry with attached QR codes at five scenic locations and enjoy Poetry in the Park! The beauty of the surrounding park will be enhanced as Poet Laureate, Kamal reads poems inspired by the surrounding scenery. This project can be accessed using personal devices and available QR codes while on location in Bowen Park, or through the City of Nanaimo’s Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfNanaimo | Image: Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar in Bowen Park. | Designed by Snuneymuxw Artists, The City Unveils New Utility Covers | Nanaimo streets will soon be adorned with new, uniquely-designed utility covers. Produced through a project by Ay Lelum – The Good House of Design with artwork by Joel Good, these captivating designs will be produced and used for the next decade, replacing the existing covers. The City of Nanaimo’s collaboration with Ay Lelum and Joel Good honours the land and Snuneymuxw culture. These utility covers serve as a unique canvas for Snuneymuxw art within Snuneymuxw territory. The storm cover design showcases two supernatural Eagles, representing strength, resilience and protection. The City of Nanaimo commits to safeguarding the community during storms and ensuring a safe environment for its residents. The sanitary cover design features a Frog. Just as the frog purifies water sources in nature, the City is dedicated to maintaining a clean and sustainable sanitary system for the well-being of its citizens. Lastly, the water cover design highlights the Orca, symbolizing power and strength in hul'q'umi'num' culture. This City is committed to preserving and protecting its marine environment, acknowledging the importance of water conservation and responsible usage. Ay Lelum and Joel Good honour Snuneymuxw knowledge through traditional Coast Salish art, as taught by their father, Dr. William Good. They have gifted the people of Nanaimo with this powerful hul'q'umi'num' artform. These captivating utility covers will be installed across the City of Nanaimo over the coming months and years, providing residents and visitors with the opportunity to experience Snuneymuxw art throughout our neighbourhoods. | 2024 Culture & Event Grants | Did you know the City of Nanaimo supports over 40 arts and culture groups through our Grant program? Culture & Events have three available grants: Culture Operating Grant; Culture Project Grant; Downtown Event Revitalization Fund. These grants are essential in supporting the activities of the professional and community-based arts and culture organizations who contribute to the cultural, social and economic vitality of Nanaimo. In December 2023 and January 2024, Council approved Culture & Events staffs recommended 2024 grant allocations to support the activities of non-profit culture and heritage organizations, and contribute to the success of events and initiatives planned for downtown. To learn more about our Grants and to see the organizations, programming, and events being supported by this program, visit our website: https://www.nanaimo.ca/your-government/grants | | Image: Commercial Street Night Market, 2023. | Singing Valentine's The Nanaimo Tidesmen Chorus at Bowen! | Image: Tidesmen members with City staff at Bowen Park. Photo by Glenn Harvey (Nanaimo Tidesmen) | The Nanaimo Tidesmen Chorus is one of the City’s 2024 Culture Operating Grant recipients. To show their appreciation again this year, four members of the charismatic group visited Bowen Park on Valentine’s Day and performed for staff. What a treat! | Spring & Summer 2024 Activity Guide Register Now! | You can now register for your favourite programs in our Spring and Summer 2024 Activity Guide! Registration opened on Wednesday, March 6th, and below are some exciting arts and culture programs! | | Beginner Watercolour – Flowers *New!* New to watercolour? Love flowers? Develop your watercolour painting skills using a variety of flower subjects. Gain basic watercolour techniques utilizing water, colour, and light to produce realistic paintings with Judy-Anne as your guide. This class will move outside on sunny days to paint real flowers and/or landscapes. Instructor: Judy-Ann Wilson Tue, Apr 2 – Jun 18 1:30-3:30 pm | $180/12 | #115760 Bowen Park Complex Summer Flamenco “Por Fiesta” *New!* Rumba, tangos, sevillanas and more – all in “fiesta” style! This is a multi-level class for students at different levels to work on different technique exercises for footwork, bodywork, turns, and all necessary steps. Instructor: Heather Sandison Tues, Jul 2 – 23 | 6:30-7:30 pm | $40/4 | #115793 Tues, Aug 6 – 27 | 6:30-7:30 pm | $40/4 | #115793 Beban Park Social Centre Creative Summer Writing Workshop *New!* This interactive workshop focuses on the fundamentals of creative writing. Participants will also writhe a portion of a short story, 1 chapter of memoir, or a postcard fiction or flash fiction story during the workshop. Please bring a notebook (or a fully charged laptop) and a lunch. Instructor: Ange Frymire Sat/Sun, Aug 24 & 25 | 9 am – 3 pm | $60/2 | #116636 Bowen Park Complex Art as Meditation Take a moment for yourself to create art with others, simply for the sake of making it. Let’s learn about and explore various forms of art and how they can become a means of self-reflection, mindfulness, relaxation and meditation. One week we will learn a new art form, and the next week we will use those skills to explore that art form as a meditation. In each part, there will be three forms explored from a variety of art forms including tangle, neuro graphic, watercolour, writing, collage, etc. Bring your own notebook, and explore fun ways to bring joy and happiness into your life through art. Instructor: Judy-Ann Wilson Part 1 Sat, Apr 27 – Jun 1 10:30 am-12:30 pm | $90/6 | #115761 Part 2 Sat, Jun 8 – Jul 13 | 10:30 am-12:30 pm | $90/6 | #115762 Bowen Park Complex Acting – Working with Text *New!* The focus is on working with text in both monologues and scenes. The goal is to increase authenticity in performances. Pre-requisite: Acting Fundamentals or some similar acting training is highly recommended. Instructor: Zoe Henderson Sat, Apr 6 – Jun 1 | 3-4:30 pm | $120/9 | #115746 Bowen Park Complex | Wire Wrapped Rings *New!* Learn the basics of wire wrapping with this fun hands-on class with five or more finished pieces to take home. This is perfect for the beginning crafter; no experience is necessary. Instructor: Alicia Meek Wed, Apr 21 | 6:30-8:30 pm | $45/1 | #115468 Oliver Woods Community Centre Creative Writing – Level 1 Do you have a memoir or story bubbling inside? Bring your creative writing piece to life. Classes are fun, interactive, and results-driven. Work with a partner or solo. Solid, constructive feedback is given each week to improve your skills and ignite your passion. Taught by communications expert, storyteller, and former journalist who has been published many times. Instructor: Ange Frymire Wed, April 10 – May 29 | 7-9 pm | $96/8 | #116627 Bowen Park Complex Creative Writing – Level 2 *New!* This is a creative writing circle. Participants can share their writing (e.g. short stories, memoirs, poetry, novels/novellas, flash fiction, postcard fiction, journal entries) in a non-judgemental, safe and open space. There will also be writing prompts given during each class, so strong awareness of writing fundamentals is needed for the participant to be fully engaged in writing exercises. Facilitated by Ange Frymire – writer, author, storyteller, teacher, communications specialist, former broadcaster/journalist – whose stories have been published in hundreds of print publications. Instructor: Ange Frymire Wed, Jun 19 – July 24 | 7-9 pm | $72/6 | #116629 Bowen Park Complex Acting Fundamentals A supportive, nurturing space to explore and practice theatre acting for adults. Suitable for both complete beginners, as well as, those with some acting experience. Participants explore theatre games, physical theatre exercises and improvisation. The focus is on core acting skills, including using the body and voice as instruments of communication, as well as, developing the ability to responding in the moment to the fluid environment of the stage. Instructor: Zoe Henderson Sat, Apr 6 – Jun 1 | 1-2:30 pm | $120/9 | #115745 Bowen Park Complex | | Concerts in the Park - Coming Soon! | With nearly 200 applications for the 2024 Concerts in the Park series, staff have been busy grooving to some amazing music! We are working to finalize details and are looking forward to announcing the shows soon. Please watch this link for updates coming shortly! Concerts in the Park 2024 | Introducing Tina Stedeford City of Nanaimo Assistant Coordinator | We would like to welcome Tina Stedeford to the Culture & Events team! As an Assistant Coordinator, she will be helping to support our Cultural community. Tina has been with the City for 25 years, working in several capacities in our Parks, Recreation, & Culture department. Tina studied at VIU for Recreation and Tourism, and is very excited to immerse herself in the amazingly diverse culture that makes Nanaimo unique. We are so excited to have you here with us, Tina! | Introducing Holly Hoek City of Nanaimo Recreation & Culture Clerk | The Culture & Special Events team is happy to welcome Holly Hoek into the Recreation & Culture Clerk role with the City of Nanaimo! Holly has been with the City of Nanaimo for 10 years working on the recreation side of the Parks, Recreation & Culture department, and she is excited to learn everything our wonderful team does and provide the best support as we move into the Spring and Summer seasons! When not at work, Holly can be found with her husband and children outside on the water, or at their family's farm in Duncan! | Contact Us
WE’RE HAPPY TO HELP | Image: Sabrina Patrice – Bowen Park Winter | With respect & gratitude, we acknowledge that our work is carried out on the
territory of the Snuneymuxw people | Follow us on Instagram @prc_nanaimo! Stay updated on the work of the Culture & Events team, and see how we’re building community through arts & culture by amplifying & championing local creativity #LoveArtsNanaimo Follow us! | | | | |
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