The City of Nanaimo Invites Youth to Help Shape the 2026 Street Banner Program

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed July 2, 2025 10:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is calling on youth across British Columbia to help shape the streetscape of 2026 through the creation of original artwork for its annual Street Banner Program. Each year, the banner program brings a fresh wave of creativity to the City’s downtown Arts District, Bowen Road, Third Street and other major routes. The 2026 program will feature art created by youth, transforming city streets into a vibrant expression of youth identity, imagination and insight. This call is open to youth artists under the age of 19, at all levels of experience, currently living in British Columbia.

The 2026 street banner theme invites youth artists to share their unique perspectives, experiences, ideas and hopes for the future. Artists are encouraged to think boldly and creatively with submissions ranging from creative envisioning of the future and personal storytelling to messages of advocacy, belonging and growth.

The youth artist selected will be offered the opportunity to work with a professional artist from the City’s Urban Design Roster to refine their concept and prepare it for final production. This mentorship component will provide emerging artists with the support they need to bring their vision to life.

A drop-in information session will be held at the Bowen Complex on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025 from 4:30 - 6 p.m. This serves as an opportunity for youth artists to meet the City’s Culture team, ask questions and get creative guidance.

The deadline to submit applications is Sept. 28, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. PST.

For full guidelines and more information visit the City's website

Link to Strategic Plan: The Street Banner Design 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, making art visible and accessible throughout the City, in Urban Centres and Downtown.

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