Luminous Paths 2027

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS MICRO-GRANTS

$200 - $300 to help downtown businesses take part in the festival

Tourism Nanaimo, in partnership with the City of Nanaimo, is offering micro-grants to businesses in Downtown Nanaimo and the Old City Quarter to encourage creative participation in Luminous Paths 2027 (February 15 – March 12, 2027). The initiative is intended to extend the festival experience into the downtown, giving visitors more reasons to explore local businesses while enjoying the event. More about the festival.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Sunday, November 15 | 11:59pm PST
Luminous Paths 2027 - Downtown Business Micro-Grant Application Form (PDF)

Ignisia Circus at Luminous Paths
The Portal by Mauro Dalla Costa
Continuum by David Martinello

How can businesses participate?

Micro-grants of $200 – $300 are intended to support a simple activation or display that connects with the themes and atmosphere of Luminous Paths, a winter art festival celebrating light, art, Land, and community.

  1. HOST AN ACTIVATION
    Offer a themed or art-inspired activity that invites participation – for example, a lantern-making workshop, small creative drop-in activity, or another accessible experience connected to light, art and creativity.

  2. CREATE AN ILLUMINATED DISPLAY
    Create an illuminated, art-inspired storefront or window display using light, colour, handmade elements or another creative approach that complements the visual atmosphere of Luminous Paths.

What will participating businesses will receive?

In addition to the micro-grant, participating businesses will receive festival materials to make available to the public, helping visitors connect their downtown experience with Luminous Paths. Materials may include posters, postcards, festival guides, and applicable festival promotional items.

Who can participate?

Businesses located in Downtown Nanaimo and the Old City Quarter that are interested in helping create a creative, connected and welcoming Luminous Paths 2027 experience are encouraged to apply.

Timeline:

Application DeadlineNovember 15 | 11:59pm PST
Notification to Businesses Early December
Luminous Paths 2027 Festival – Opening EventFebruary 15 | 5 – 9pm 
Luminous Paths 2027 Festival – Closing EventMarch 12 | 5 – 9pm 

How to submit an application: 

There are two available options to submit your application.

  1. ONLINE using the form below. 

  2. Drop off your application IN-PERSON to the Culture & Events Dropbox, located at the Bowen Complex (500 Bowen Rd, Nanaimo). The Dropbox is located on the lower level of the building near the tennis courts (Pine Street entrance). Hand-delivered applications must include one (1) original hardcopy of documents. The application must be enclosed and sealed in an envelope/ package clearly marked:
Your Name
Downtown Business Micro-Grants
City of Nanaimo

Culture and Events

Bowen Complex Drop-Box Location

Online Application Form

Business Information

How would you like to participate? 

Select one or both:

Connection to Luminous Paths

Learn more about the festival.

Micro-grant request

Amount requested:

Participation details

Please acknowledge requirements by checking boxes.

Accessibility & Inclusion

The City of Nanaimo is committed to creating welcoming public spaces that are accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Participants of Luminous Paths 2027 must demonstrate commitment to City of Nanaimo Policy C4.2 Equity and Inclusivity:

“Equity recognizes that each person has different circumstances and allocates resources and opportunities to support more positive outcomes for all regardless of age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, faith practice, ancestry, or background. By identifying inequities and targeting investment in prevention and intervention, the wellbeing and inclusion of the diversity of people that make up our entire community can be enhanced, creating a city that puts people first and supports a sense of belonging.”

The expectation is that participating businesses will:

  • Create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where all people feel safe, comfortable and represented (Policy C4.2.1)
  • Encourage diversity awareness and build a culture of compassion for people of all cultures, genders, orientations, ages and abilities (Policy C4.2.8)

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Statement:

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Personal information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose.

For further information regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, please contact the Legislative Services Office at 250-755-4405 or at foi@nanaimo.ca

Questions?

Questions regarding the 2027 Luminous Paths festival and/or the micro-grants may be directed to Culture & Events at: cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca or 250-755-4483
HomePage / Parks, Rec & Culture / Events / Luminous Paths 2027 / Luminous Downtown

Last updated: September 18, 2026

Give feedback on accessibility. Submit your feedback through our online accessibility feedback form. Help us understand barriers people face when accessing City services.

You can attach files to help explain the barrier you faced in the form, like: a video, voice recording or photos. If American Sign Language (ASL) is the best way for you to communicate, upload a video of yourself using ASL into the form.

Please include: what you were trying to access, where the barrier happened, what the barrier was and any recommendations you might have.

Thank you for your assistance. One of our website team will look into the reported issue shortly. Loading animation

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Statement:

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Personal information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose.

For further information regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, please contact the Legislative Services Office at 250-755-4405 or at foi@nanaimo.ca