This September:

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The City of Nanaimo will be recognizing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30^th with a free public event focused on community well-being.

Photo by Sean Fenzl Photography, September 30^th, 2023 | @fenzlstudio

Check out the City's website for more information on the event:

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

For more information

Where Does the Art Come From?

You may have noticed artwork appearing on utility and traffic cabinets around town and wondered where the artwork comes from and who is responsible. These art wraps represent original artwork created by artists on the City’s Urban Design Roster, and are commissioned in a collaborative effort between the City’s Culture team and the Public Works team.

Utility and traffic cabinets are a visible part of communities across the city. As such, they offer a canvas to celebrate the City and its neighbourhoods through public art providing a sense of place and fostering community pride. Additionally, the presence of art and a vinyl wrap assists in the prevention and remediation of graffiti.

Nominations Are Open for the

2025 Culture Awards!

The Culture Awards recognize outstanding organizations, groups or individuals in the arts & culture fields. This is your opportunity to recognize people and groups that you believe have made a significant contribution to making Nanaimo a culturally vibrant city.

Deadline for Submissions: Monday, December 2^nd, 2024

To Nominate, Click Here

Save the Date!

Culture Award recipients will be recognized at a special FREE celebration at the Port Theatre on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025.

Culture & Events Grant Intake Is Now Open!

Deadline for Applications: Tuesday, October 8^th by 4pm PST.

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.

Grant Information Sessions (Note: Attendance in one session is mandatory for anyone applying for funding):

Grant Preparation Zoom/ In-Person Meeting Date Options

Thurs, Sept 12th 6:00 – 7:00pm Downtown Event Fund | Click for Link | Meeting ID: 839 3696 9274

Wed, Sept 25th 6:00 – 7:00pm Project | Click for Link | Project Meeting ID: 827 2632 0879

Thurs, Sept 26th 6:00 – 7:00pm Operating | Click for Link | Meeting ID: 870 3606 0226

Fri, Sept 27th 1:00 – 2:00pm All Grants - In-person at the Bowen Complex, 500 Bowen Rd.

Fri, Oct 4th 1:00 – 2:00pm All Grants | Click for Link | ID: 848 2921 4496

To learn more about our Grants and to apply for funding, visit our website:

City of Nanaimo Grants

A Thank You to Former Poet Laureate,

Kamal Parmar

Since 2021, Kamal Parmar served as the City of Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate from 2021 to 2024. As the City’s literary ambassador, Kamal captivated and inspired, sharing her passion for poetry with audiences of all ages. From free poetry readings, to mentoring local youth, to organizing creative poetry projects seen throughout the city, Kamal’s passion and dedication is undeniable. Her contributions to the community while serving as Poet Laureate will continue to be felt for many years to come - a deserving legacy for an extraordinary poet!

We sincerely thank Kamal for the creativity, dedication, and expertise she has shared while in this role. 

A New Addition to the Poetry Walk

To honour Kamal Parmar’s term as the City of Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate, the City has unveiled a new addition to its Poetry Walk will be unveiled to recognize Kamal’s work as literary ambassador for the City. A poem by Kamal is featured on the sidewalk directly outside the main entrance to The Port Theatre.

Are You the City's Next Poet Laureate?

The City of Nanaimo’s next Poet Laureate will serve as a literary ambassador for the City of Nanaimo. Through their role they raise the profile of literary arts in our community by creating and presenting poetic works and activities that are relevant to our times and respond to our place. Nanaimo’s next Poet Laureate will engage and inspire, bring their own unique voice and experience to collaborate and realize poetry projects for the benefit of our community.

Deadline for applications: Monday, September 16^th, 2024

To Apply or for More Information:

Click Here

Referred to as the Poetry Walk, poems written by outgoing poet laureates are displayed for all to enjoy in this accessible and well-trodden path. Kamal Parmar’s contribution marks the third sidewalk stone displaying poetry outside of The Port Theatre. The first installment was unveiled in 2017, showcasing the poetry of Nanaimo’s inaugural poet laureate, Naomi Beth Wakan. The second stone was added in 2019, displaying a poem by outgoing poet laureate, Tina Biello. The Poetry Walk reflects Nanaimo’s appreciation of poetry and the literary arts and highlights the success of the Poet Laureate Program.

Concerts in the Park: Highlights

Did you join us for one of the many incredible Concerts in the Park this summer? The Concerts in the Park series are free concerts showcasing local talent against the backdrop of some of Nanaimo’s most beautiful parks. This summer we enjoyed 11 concerts in 9 different parks, featuring 15 different performances.