Calling all artists! City of Nanaimo seeking artists for Urban Design Roster

Program helps integrate artistic vision into public spaces

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed June 23, 2025 10:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo invites all emerging and established artists and designers from across British Columbia to submit portfolios to the 2026 – 2028 Urban Design Roster. This unique opportunity allows creatives to play a direct role in shaping Nanaimo’s public spaces through art and design.

Launched in 2021, the Urban Design Roster has become a valuable tool, helping the City integrate artistic vision into public spaces and enhancing Nanaimo’s visual identity. Artists selected for the roster will be considered for projects that arise through city infrastructure, upgrades, renewals and maintenance. Projects may include murals on civic buildings, surface treatments in public play areas, decorative utility covers, urban street design and contributions to active transportation, beautification, sanitation and anti-vandalism efforts.

Artists and designers wishing to be considered must submit a statement of interest, a resume and a portfolio of previous work. The Urban Design Roster call is also open to those interested in expanding their practices into the public realm for the first time. A selection panel comprised of City staff and members of the Art in Public Spaces Working Group will review applications. Those selected will remain active on the roster for a period of two years.

The deadline to submit applications is October 12, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

View application details and requirements on the City's website

Link to Strategic Plan: The Urban Design Roster Program aligns with the goals of the City of Nanaimo’s City Plan by facilitating opportunities for the public to encounter art and culture in public spaces throughout the city and as part of their daily experiences.

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