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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:

Poetry in the Harbour: A Curated Community Reading! 

Wednesday, February 4 | 7pm
Piper's Lagoon Lobby, Vancouver Island Conference Centre (Entrance is at 80 Commercial St)
Join Neil Surkan, Poet Laureate of Nanaimo, for a curated evening of poetry by community poets!

Poetry in the Harbour

Wednesday, March 11 | 7pm
Piper's Lagoon Lobby, Vancouver Island Conference Centre (Entrance is at 80 Commercial St)
Details to come.

Current Calls for Artists/Poets:

Call for Poetry

Deadline: 11:59pm Pacific Time, December 22, 2025
Poets of Nanaimo (and surrounding communities): you are invited to submit a poem to be included in a reading on Wednesday, February 4th, at 7PM in Nanaimo, BC. Neil Surkan, Poet Laureate of Nanaimo, will curate and host the event. 

Call for 2026-2028 Art in Public Spaces Working Group - Now Open!

Deadline: 11:59pm Pacific Time, January 25, 2026
The City of Nanaimo seeks applications for membership on its Art in Public Spaces Working Group, which consists of individuals who serve as knowledgeable volunteers, helping to advance the City’s public art program. More info. 

Call for 2026 Culture Award Nominations - DEADLINE EXTENDED!

Deadline: 11:59pm Pacific Time, December 28, 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: December 16, 2025

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