Upcoming Events & Calls for Artists/Poets

Find events and opportunities for artists including calls for public art. Find events and opportunities related to our Poet Laureate programs.

Upcoming Events:

Current Calls for Artists/Poets:

2026 - 2028 Youth Poet Laureate - Call to Youth Poets

Deadline for Submissions: 11:59pm Pacific Time, July 28, 2026
The City of Nanaimo is seeking nominations for our next Youth Poet Laureate! Drawing on the expertise of a new generation of Nanaimo poets and the success of previous Youth Poet Laureates, the City of Nanaimo’s next Youth Poet Laureate will serve as a literary ambassador, creating opportunities for the community to appreciate strong youth voices. Candidates must be 13 to 24 years of age (youth) and reside within the City of Nanaimo. More info.

2027 Street Banners - Call to Youth Artists

Deadline for Submissions: 11:59pm Pacific Time, September 27, 2026
The City of Nanaimo is seeking art from youth (ages 19 and under) for its 2027 Street Banners. This program offers artists and designers an opportunity to submit proposals for original banner artwork that will be hung in Nanaimo's downtown area. Banners will be on display in the Arts District downtown, along Bowen Road, Third Street and other major routes, creating a vibrant visual presence. More info.

2027 Temporary Public Art - Call to Artists

Deadline for Submissions: 11:59pm Pacific Time, October 18, 2026
The City of Nanaimo is seeking proposals for Temporary Public Art to be initiated in 2026 and realized in 2027. The Temporary Public Art Program offers artists of diverse backgrounds and skillsets the opportunity to create artwork for public spaces in Nanaimo. Artists can propose artworks that vary in scale, scope, and medium, including temporary sculptural installations, social practice and community engaged artist projects and artwork that is integrated into landscape, architecture or civic infrastructure. More info.

2027 - 2029 Poet Laureate - Call to Poets

Deadline for Submissions: 11:59pm Pacific Time, October 25, 2026
The City of Nanaimo is seeking nominations for our next Poet Laureate. The Poet Laureate is a literary 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 activities 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. More info.