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Honour in Culture Award

Audience

An individual, group or corporation who demonstrates outstanding support, advocacy, promotion or interpretation of Nanaimo’s arts culture and history

Status

Inactive

Cut Off Date

2025-12-28 23:59

This award recognizes an individual, group or corporation who demonstrates outstanding support, advocacy, promotion or interpretation of Nanaimo’s arts culture and history.

2026 Recipient: Luis Porretta

Luis Porretta, Honour in Culture 2026Luis Porretta
Photo Credit: Sean Fenzl | @fenzlstudio

Luis Porretta has spent a lifetime immersed in the arts, and Nanaimo has been one of the greatest beneficiaries of his passion.

Raised in the UK to Italian parents, he grew up in and around music, absorbing the sounds of London’s jazz scene before building a multifaceted career as a performer, songwriter, promoter, and producer. He has never lost his excitement at hearing fresh music by innovative musicians, a spirit that has defined more than two decades of cultural leadership in Nanaimo.

Through Quadwrangle Music Productions, Luis has brought exceptional jazz and contemporary artists from across Canada, the US, and beyond to Nanaimo, while creating meaningful opportunities for local and emerging musicians. He mentors young players, produces high‑quality recordings, collaborates with major cultural organizations, and champions accessible, year‑round live performance.

Luis’s generosity, advocacy, and unwavering commitment have strengthened Nanaimo’s art community and enriched the city’s cultural fabric, making him a deeply deserving recipient of the 2026 Honour in Culture Award.

Past Recipients

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