LIGHTING A PATH

February 16 - March 16, 2026 
Sway-a-Lana (Maffeo Sutton Park)

We invite you to join us in Sway-a-Lana (Maffeo Sutton Park) beginning February 16th and until March 16th as we honour the Land through a special 2026 art installation. Best viewed after dark, this illuminated display continues the spirit of the Luminous Paths festival and features artwork by the late Dr. William Good; the late Joel Good; Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun; kwasilwit, Chenoa Point; Noel Brown; Ryan Hughes; and yutustana:t, Gena Seward-Wilson.

More information, including a map of where to find the artwork, can be found on the City’s website:

MORE INFO

Public Art Tour: LIGHTING A PATH

Friday, March 13 | 6pm | FREE
Sway-a-Lana (Maffeo Sutton Park)

Join us for a free public tour of Lighting a Path, a special art installation honouring the Land featuring artwork by: the late Dr. William Good; the late W. Joel Good; Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun; kwasilwit, Chenoa Point; Noel Brown; Ryan Hughes; and yutustana:t, Gena Seward-Wilson.

This tour will include an opportunity to hear directly from several of the exhibiting artists and their family.

We will meet in Spirit Square (next to the washrooms).

The City of Nanaimo is seeking proposals for temporary public art as part of the 2027 Luminous Paths festival! Temporary public art projects will be selected in the summer of 2026, with the festival taking place in February of 2027.

Luminous Paths is Nanaimo’s biannual winter festival of light, art, land, and community. The festival features temporary, light-based art installations that transform familiar places into immersive, placemaking experiences after dark.

Luminous Paths invites artists to reimagine public space through illumination, projection, sound, and interactive works that encourage curiosity, play, and connection. Installations are supported by opening and closing celebrations, live performances, and community engagement activities, drawing residents and visitors outdoors during the winter months.

Luminous Paths provides artists with an opportunity to present ambitious, highly visible work, engage broad audiences, and contribute to a growing signature cultural event that celebrates creativity, community, and light in the heart of winter.

LEARN MORE

Poetry in the Harbour featuring Poet, Junie Desil

Wednesday, March 11 | 7pm | FREE
Piper's Lagoon Lobby, Vancouver Island Conference Centre (Enter at 80 Commercial St.)

Join Poet Laureate, Neil Surkan, and special guests for an evening of poetry. March's event features poet, Junie Desil.

Read, Reflect, Write

Wednesdays, April 1, May 6, June 3 | 6-7pm | FREE
North Nanaimo Library Board Room (6250 Hammond Bay Rd)

A poetry workshop about savouring, wondering, and daring facilitated by Poet Laureate, Neil Surkan.

MORE INFO

Thank you!

A big thank you to James D. Dean on behalf of the City of Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild! James has supported bookings at the OV Arts Centre at 25 Victoria Road since January, 2023, first on behalf of the City’s Interim Operator partner, Spotlight Academy, and then as the O.V. Site Liaison appointed by the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild. This interim position has been vital to the operation of the OV Arts Centre. We are grateful to James for taking on this temporary role with such flexibility and enthusiasm.

Congratulations!

Welcome to Justin MacFadden, the new Venue Technician and Site Liaison at the OV Arts Centre! Justin started this new role on March 2, 2026 and is working directly with the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild, the Culture and Events team and the City’s Allocations team to provide technical and booking support at the OV. Justin has worked on more than thirty productions at the OV since 2022, and has extensive knowledge of the facility, its technical equipment and the needs of its regular user groups. Congratulations, Justin!

You're invited behind the scenes at the OV! 

The Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild is hosting a series of Meet & Greet Open Houses at the Old Victoria Arts Centre and everyone is welcome!

When:

• Tuesday, March 24 | 2-6pm
• Wednesday, April 29 | 2-6pm
• Wednesday, May 27 | 2-6pm
• Thursday, June 25 | 2-6pm

Where: 25 Victoria Rd 

Drop in for a guided tour of this city-owned, multi-purpose arts facility and learn how the OV could be an ideal venue for you - whether that’s workshops, performances, community gatherings, or celebrations of life. Guild members will be on site to chat about upcoming improvements and the City’s long-term vision for the space.

Curious about what the OV could offer you? Come explore the potential of a revitalized, accessible, community-focused arts hub in the heart of downtown. We hope to see you there!

Did you know...?

The City of Nanaimo’s Culture & Event Grants strengthen our vibrant arts community by supporting more than 40 local organizations, projects, and events annually!

In 2026, the City is providing $705,421 in funding to local culture and events groups and initiatives through our Culture Operating Grants, Culture Project Grants, and the Downtown Event Revitalization Fund. Watch for more information about City of Nanaimo Culture and Events Grants in the coming months!

2026 GRANTS SUMMARY

Have you seen our new and improved pottery programs?

A fresh season of creativity is spinning up in Nanaimo, with the City’s newly refreshed pottery programs offering more ways than ever to get your hands in the clay! Whether you’re returning to the wheel or trying ceramics for the first time, our spring/ summer programs bring expanded classes and studio time designed for all skill levels. From guided instruction to independent practice sessions at the Bowen Park Pottery Studio, it’s a perfect chance to learn new techniques, shape something beautiful, and connect with a vibrant local arts community.

CHECK THEM OUT