Join the Art in Public Spaces Working Group

Deadline for Applications: 11:59pm Pacific Time, January 25, 2026

Call for Members of the Art in Public Spaces Working Group 2026-2028 (PDF)
*Online submission form below*

The Working Group consists of six applicants from the public, who:

• are residents of the Nanaimo or Regional District of Nanaimo.
• have demonstrated experience and/or training in aspects of visual art; and
• represent a variety of professions with expertise in public art, including: artists, arts administrators, art historians, art conservators, educators, curators, landscape architects, design professionals, architects, Indigenous cultural knowledge keepers. 

Working Group Purpose:

•  To collaborate to advance priorities articulated in City plans and policies, including the City Plan: Nanaimo Reimaged (2022), and subheadings under C4, as well as subsequent updates by providing input grounded in best practice, on future policy development.
  
• To provide both strategic and technical advice as required, and act as a resource on matters relating to art in public spaces.
  
• To champion the role of artists and creative practitioners as professionals and promote processes and policies that support the livelihood and well-being of the creative economy.
  
• To promote awareness and understanding of the public value of art in the City and its potential roles in the public realm.
  
• To contribute community-based knowledge related to equity, diversity and accessibility priorities. 
  

 

Specific Duties:

• Advise the City on public art issues and relevant trends and provide input on the update of programs, plans and policies.
  
• Advise and consult on specific matters related to public art, including but not limited to collection management, conservation, interpretation and knowledge creation, donations and sponsorships, private sector projects, community art projects, and other issues.
  
• Review Calls to Artists, Requests for Proposals, and other competition processes and provide feedback.
  
• Serve on the selection panel for specific art projects and make recommendations to advance to Council for final approval and suggest additional panel members when specific expertise is required. 

Term:

• Members of the Art in Public Spaces Working Group will serve on a volunteer basis for a term of 24 months.
• Members will be given the option of completing a second consecutive term after successful completion of their first term, for a maximum of two terms.
• Group members serve voluntarily and without compensation.
• Applications will be considered on a bi-annual basis, or as the need arises.

Meetings:

The Working Group will meet according to a mutually agreed schedule or at the call of the Culture & Events Staff. Meetings may be scheduled bi-monthly, quarterly, annually, or on an as-needed basis. Group meetings are professional and technical work sessions and shall not be open to others, except by invitation by Staff.

Eligibility:

The Working Group will consist of six applicants from the public, who:

• are residents of the Nanaimo or Regional District of Nanaimo;
• have demonstrated experience and/or training in aspects of visual art; and
• represent a variety of professions with expertise in public art, including: artists, arts administrators, art historians, art conservators, educators, curators, landscape architects, design professionals, architects, Indigenous cultural knowledge keepers.
  

Note: Preference will be given to a member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation for at least one seat on the committee.

Members from the Culture & Events section will provide leadership to the Working Group; Staff from other departments across the City will also be invited to participate in Working Group discussions as required.

Conduct:

• Members of the Working Group shall participate in the spirit of collaboration.
• Members of the Working Group must declare potential conflicts of interest.
• Members shall not enter any City of Nanaimo public art competition, or contract any services to City-involved public art projects during their term of service. 
• Group members shall conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner.
• Group members 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.”
• Group members will contribute to 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).

How to Apply:

1. Submit your application via the online submission form below;
2. Submit your application via email: cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca, ATTN: Art in Public Spaces Working Group;
3. Drop off your application in-person to the Culture & Events Dropbox, located at the Bowen Complex, 500 Bowen Road. The Dropbox is located on the lower level of the building near the tennis courts (Pine Street Entrance). The application must be enclosed and sealed in an envelope/ package clearly marked:

Submission Elements:

• Contact information;
• Statement of interest including: A description of knowledge, skills and abilities related to this Working Group; A brief bio that demonstrates your connection to Nanaimo; Why the opportunity interests you;
• A CV demonstrating knowledge and experience in the field of art practice and place-making.

Online Application Form: 

Questions?