The Old Victoria Arts Centre

The Old Victoria Arts Centre (OV Arts Centre) in Nanaimo, BC, is a bookable, City-owned performing arts venue and cultural hub that was formerly known as the Harbour City Theatre. It was renovated and reopened in June 2021, and renamed the OV Arts Centre. The OV Arts Centre is now a multi-use space offering affordable creative spaces, entertainment, and events located at 25 Victoria Road. 

The OV Arts Centre is managed in partnership with the City by a volunteer committee of professionals from Nanaimo’s arts and culture community. This committee guides a multi-year plan to improve, maintain, and steward the venue. 

Office hours

Monday, April 20 | 4 - 6pm
Friday, April 24 | 4 - 6pm
Monday, April 27 | 4 - 6pm

Open House Events

Wednesday, April 29 | 2 - 6pm | Drop-In - Featuring live music from the Nanaimo Seniors Accordion Band under the direction of Bob Butchart.
Wednesday, May 27 | 2 - 6pm | Drop-In
Thursday, June 25 | 2 - 6pm | Drop-In
25 Victoria Rd. 
The Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild invites the community to explore the Old Victoria Arts Centre during a series of Meet and Greet Open House events. These informal drop-in sessions offer guided tours of the city-owned, multi-purpose facility and an opportunity to learn how the O.V. can support a wide range of uses - from workshops and rehearsals to performances and community gatherings. Guild members will also share information about planned upgrades and future renovations being considered by the City of Nanaimo. Community members interested in the future of arts and culture in Nanaimo’s downtown core are encouraged to attend!

About the Space

The OV Arts Centre includes a rectangular platform stage (accessible by stairs), house seating for 85, a small lobby area, box office, and concession stand, leading into an accessible, ground-floor multi-use performing space.

Inside the performing space, you’ll find a raised stage at one end and flexible seating on movable risers. The room is painted black and includes basic lighting and sound provisions that can support many types of performances and events.

Additional areas include:

• Ground floor (accessible): greenroom and bathrooms
• Mezzanine level (not accessible): additional seating and bookable office spaces
• Basement (not accessible): a rehearsal space with laminate wood floors and a tiny stage on one end

For public-facing events, the venue provides on-site security during standard business hours so guests feel welcome and supported upon arrival and throughout the event. For events that run late, there may be an additional charge for security. Details will be confirmed at the time of booking.

The OV Arts Centre is suitable for both public and private use. It has hosted everything from professional theatre, dance, and music performances to community gatherings, burlesque shows, workshops, celebrations of life, and photo/video shoots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions webpage for answers to the most common queries.

How to Book

Booking the OV Arts Centre involves a few steps to ensure you have the right level of venue access and the right technical and/or general support for your event.

Step 1: Tour the venue

We recommend touring the venue during office hours or open house events, so you can confirm the space is a good fit for your plans (and so we can discuss your needs early). 

Step 2: Submit a booking request (City-wide booking system)

Facility rentals for the OV Arts Centre are managed by the City of Nanaimo. To submit a booking request, please refer to the Indoor Special Event Application Form. 

Step 3: Confirmation + event support planning

After you submit a request, City staff will confirm availability and work with you to ensure the appropriate technical provisions and venue supports are in place.

Timing: We recommend booking as far in advance as possible to avoid disappointment.

Pricing: Fees vary depending on how you plan to use the space (including whether technical support is required). The OV Arts Centre is one of the most affordable venues in the city, and - as a City-run venue - rates are set to encourage use by a diverse population. To learn more about fees, please refer to The OV Facility Rental Fees (PDF).

Our Governance

The OV Arts Centre is supported by the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild (NPAG), a volunteer committee selected by City Council based on members’ expertise across a wide range of arts and culture sectors and their commitment to keeping the venue accessible to all. The Guild provides guidance to City staff on maintaining, operating, and improving the venue for community use.

Key Roles of the Guild:

• Advising on operational and maintenance needs
• Supporting day-to-day operations
• Encouraging accessibility, inclusivity, and affordability
• Promoting local performing arts activities

For more information, please see the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild Work Plan (PDF). 

For More Information

The OV Arts Centre
Booking inquiries: Indoor Special Event Application Form
All other inquiries: (250) 756-5200