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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:

Read, Write, Reflect
Wednesdays, October 1, November 5, and December 3 | 6 - 7pm
FREE | North Nanaimo Library Board Room (6250 Hammond Bay Rd.)
A poetry workshop about Savouring, Wondering, and Daring facilitated by Poet Laureate, Neil Surkan.  

Poetry in the Harbour
Wed., December 10 | 7 - 8pm 
FREE | Drop-in | Tourism Nanaimo Visitor Centre (101 Gordon St.)
Join Poet Laureate, Neil Surkan, and special guests for an evening of poetry. More details coming soon. 

Poetry in the Harbour
Wed., December 10 | 7 - 8pm
FREE | Drop-in | Nanaimo Tourism Visitor Centre (Entrance at 101 Gordon St. at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre)
Join Poet Laureate, Neil Surkan, and special guests for an evening of poetry. More details to come.

Current Calls for Artists/Poets:

Call to Youth for 2026 Street Banners - Now Open!

Deadline: 11:59pm Pacific Time, September 28, 2025
This program offers youth artists an opportunity to submit proposals for original banner artwork that will be hung in Nanaimo’s downtown area. More info. 

Call for Urban Design Roster 2026-2028 - Now Open!

Deadline: 11:59pm Pacific Time, October 12, 2025
This program offers artists and designers an opportunity to be involved in civic urban design and small-scale artwork related to city infrastructure. More info. 

Call for Temporary Public Art 2026 - Now Open! 

Deadline: 11:59pm Pacific Time, October 26, 2025
The Temporary Public Art Program offers artists of diverse backgrounds and skillsets the opportunity to create artwork for public spaces in Nanaimo. More info. 

Call for Youth Poet Laureate 2026-2028 - Now Open! 

Deadline: 11:59pm Pacific Time, October 19, 2025
The City of Nanaimo is seeking nominations for our next Youth Poet Laureate (ages 13-24), who will serve as a literary ambassador, creating opportunities for the community to appreciate strong youth voices. More info. 

Call for 2026 Culture Award Nominations - Now Open!

Deadline: 11:59pm Pacific Time, December 1, 2025
The City of Nanaimo is seeking nominations from the community for the 2026 Culture Awards. These awards honour outstanding organizations, groups and individuals who have made significant contributions to the city’s vibrant arts, culture and heritage communities. More info.

 

Questions?

Please reach out to the Culture & Events team using the info below.

Contact Us

Culture & Events
250-755-4483
cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: September 23, 2025

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