Nanaimo Arts Council Membership
Become a Nanaimo Arts Council member and join a thriving arts community!
Who We Are
The Nanaimo Arts Council is a grassroots volunteer charitable organization comprised of local artists and arts organizations in Nanaimo and neighbouring communities. The council supports artists in multiple genres, particularly visual, literary, and digital arts, by creating developmental programs and engaging the community through print, online media, and public exhibitions in venues across the city. NAC welcomes everyone interested in pursuing arts and culture in our community, including artists, arts organizations, businesses, volunteers, donors, and sponsors.
become a member
Types of Memberships
Regular Member
- Participate in artist features and exhibitions to enhance your career.
- Sell or license your work through NAC’s online galleries, artist events, and promoted exhibitions.
- Receive timely updates on upcoming events and meetups.
- Volunteer for programs to shape future initiatives.
- Get discounts on art supplies at Iron Oxide and Be Creative.
Fees: Â $20 or pay an optional $30 to support students
Organization Member
- Place complimentary ads promoting your events or services in NAC’s monthly newsletter.
- Keep informed about program sponsorship opportunities.
- Help sustain a healthy arts and culture environment in Nanaimo.
Fee: $50
Student Membership
- Advance your career by coordinating programs, leading research, or completing a VIU internship.
- Gain hands-on job experience through summer employment or project assignments.
- Receive all other Regular Member benefits.
Fee: $0
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 Sun 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!
Thank you to our sponsors, funders, and partners
