Image: Artwork pictured is Compelling Agency by David Martinello

For more information

Call to Artists:

2025 Street Banner Design

Image: 2024 Street Banners designed by Amy Pye

The City of Nanaimo invites all amateur and professional artists and designers to submit their proposals to the 2025 Street Banner Design Program. The banners will be on display in spring 2025 and hung in Nanaimo’s downtown area, including in the Arts District downtown, along Bowen Road, Third Street and other major routes, creating a vibrant visual presence. The Call is open to artists and designers at all levels of experience, currently living in British Columbia. For the 2025 street banner theme, artists and designers are asked to reflect on the concept of metamorphosis and change.

The deadline to submit is Monday, August 26th, 2024 by midnight.

For more on the Street Banner Design Program

Apply Now!

Nanaimo Seeks its Next Poet Laureate (2024 - 2026)

Image: Kamal Parmar, Current Poet Laureate

The Poet Laureate is a literacy 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 activties 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.

The deadline for applications is Monday, September 16th, 2024 by midnight.

Apply Now!

Coming Soon:

Nominations for Our 2025 Culture Awards

Find out More About the Culture Awards

New Public Art: What and Where

Revealing New and Returning Artist and Designers

Image: Artist, Robert Turriff leading youth through a free public art workshop

Youth Poetry Reading - A FREE Event!

Youth Poetry Reading – A Free Event!

Thursday, August 1 | 6-7pm

Nanaimo North – Vancouver Island Regional Library | 6250 Hammond Bay Rd

Join us for an evening of poetry! Youth are invited to share a poem. People of all ages are encouraged to attend and enjoy the talents of Nanaimo’s literary youth. Featuring: Youth Poet Laureate, Paige Pierce, and Poet Laureate, Kamal Parmar. There will also be a free draw and giveaway!

2024 Concerts in the Park

Bring a blanket or a chair and enjoy some local talent in a beautiful park!

The Concerts in the Park series are free concerts showcasing local talent against the backdrop of some of Nanaimo's most beautiful parks!

Click here for more information on Concerts in the Park

Welcoming Deborah Beck!

City of Nanaimo Special Events Coordinator

                Image: Deb Beck

Deb joined our team back in May, but has had the pleasure of working with Parks, Recreation & Culture for the past 14 years, focusing mainly on Environmental Education and Stewardship, along with a year as the Parks and Open Space Planner. She is excited to join the Culture & Special Events team and to be a part of some of the amazing events that take place throughout the community in our parks and open spaces.

“I love the outdoors and can often be found on my mountain bike or hiking along our amazing local and island-wide trail system. When the sun comes out it doesn’t take much to get me out on my paddleboard, with so many places to explore both on fresh and salt waters.”

We are so incredibly happy to have Deb on our team; her wealth of knowledge is already proving itself, and her passion to see our community thrive makes her the perfect fit!