Nanaimo's Luminous Paths Festival wins national award

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed October 20, 2025 9:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is thrilled to announce that Luminous Paths: Nanaimo’s 150 & Beyond has won the Creative Cities Impact Award for Cultural Events, recognizing the winter festival’s outstanding contribution to community connection, creativity and cultural celebration. The award acknowledges how Luminous Paths reflected the City’s values of diversity, inclusion and environmental stewardship while showcasing the power of public art to strengthen a sense of place.

In January and February 2025, Luminous Paths transformed Maffeo Sutton Park into a month-long illuminated art experience. The event brought together artists, performers, community organizations and residents to recognize Nanaimo’s past, present and future by highlighting our extraordinary arts and culture community.

The festival featured illuminated art installations, projections, performances and interactive experiences by local and regional artists, performers, and arts, culture and community organizations. More than 18,000 visitors attended the event over its four-week run, contributing to a vibrant and welcoming downtown atmosphere during the winter season.

Planning is already underway for future editions of the festival, continuing its mission to inspire, connect and illuminate.

Link to Strategic Plan: Hosting community festivals such as Luminous Paths supports Council’s commitment to good governance and the social well-being of our community.

Key Points

Presented annually by the Creative City Network of Canada (CCNC), the Impact Awards honour municipalities that demonstrate creativity, innovation and leadership in cultural development.
The City of Nanaimo’s Culture & Events section produced Luminous Paths in collaboration with community partners and artists, and with the support of the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Heritage Building Communities through Arts and Heritage grant.

Quotes

"Luminous Paths captured the spirit of our community. It was a beautiful and unifying celebration that highlighted local talent, and invited residents to see our waterfront in a new way. This national recognition is a testament to the creative vision that defines Nanaimo."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo