Nanaimo Arts Council
Join us in fostering a vibrant arts community where creativity thrives and connections flourish.
About us
The Nanaimo Arts Council is a grassroots volunteer charitable organization comprised of local artists and arts organizations in Nanaimo and neighbouring communities. Our mission is to facilitate connections between artists, arts organizations, local businesses, government, and the community to encourage creative opportunities for all.
Our website is where we showcase visual art exhibits, short fiction, and poetry while informing you about upcoming local events. This digital space is your gateway to engage with the NAC, offering event and membership registration options, art sales, and volunteer opportunities. Thank you for visiting, and enjoy your time here!
annual programming
Explore What the NAC Offers
ArtWalk
ArtWalk is an annual celebration of local art. Now in its 28th year, we are proud to feature 60 visual artists exhibiting their work in 20 public and private venues across Commercial Street, Victoria Crescent, and the Old City Quarter for this walkable, vibrant cultural festival.
Art Around Town
In collaboration with the Port Theatre, Art Around Town is the Nanaimo Art Council’s ongoing member exhibition. Artworks are updated in spring year each, and can be enjoyed by visitors year round either at the Port Theatre or in our online Sea Star Gallery.
Ekphrastic Poetry
The annual Ekphrastic Poetry competition is where art and writing collide. First collecting artworks and exhibiting them in our Purple Urchin online gallery, we then invite members to write short poems inspired by the visual artwork of their choice.
Short Fiction Review
The Island Short Fiction Review is an annual literary event hosted by the NAC. It encourages the development of creative writing skills, and is open to writers of all aged from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Winning entries are published in the Sea Wolf magazine
Sea Wolf Magazine
The Sea Wolf Literary Review is a free magazine published annually by the Nanaimo Arts Council. It features wnning entries from the Island Short Fiction Review and Ekphrastic Poetry Competition. It is registered with Library and Archives Canada, and distributed by VIRL.
Night Market Art Demo
Joining in on the Commercial Street Night Market, the Nanaimo Arts Council will host an annual hands-on art demonstration with a local artist for children and families. It is free to attend and hosted at the Nanaimo Art Gallery’s Art Lab. More information to follow soon!
Become an NAC member
NAC welcomes everyone interested in pursuing arts and culture in our community, including artists, arts organizations, businesses, volunteers, donors, and sponsors. Membership provides access to events, co-marketing, newsletters, networking, competitions, and art exhibitions. If you are making art or want to be involved in supporting local art , then you should consider signing up and getting involved in the creative landscape of Nanaimo.
ONline galleries
Enjoy and Collect Local Art
Purple Urchin Gallery
Art that inspires… literally! A collection of works from our members that are used in the Ekphrastic Poetry Competition.
Sun Star Gallery
An online version of the ongoing exhibit in the Port Theatre Lobby. Browse and explore the incredible works on display.
Moon Jelly Gallery
A curated online feature exhibition. Currently exhibiting pâkicihew (she has swollen hands) by bailey macabre.
Coming Soon: Our Newsletter
We will soon be relaunching the Nanaimo Arts Council newsletter where you can receive the latest updates on events, exhibitions, and creative opportunities directly in your inbox. Subscription is available for members and the broader community to stay connected with the heart of Nanaimo’s creative programming, announcements, and events.
Thank you to our sponsors, funders, and partners
