Arts

One of Nanaimo's many great artisans

The Nanaimo Arts & Culture Scene

Nanaimo has historically been identified as a working class city in a beautiful coastal setting, but has recently undergone a cultural transformation. The thriving Nanaimo arts scene has truly come into its own, attracting art lovers and artists alike. Artists stay here because it is beautiful and un-crowded, and the lively up-front culture in Nanaimo affords a comfortable setting for expression. The city's large university population also helps keep things creative, with regular live theatre, music, and visual arts events happening on and off campus throughout the year. In downtown Nanaimo, affordable rent has enabled artists and musicians to gain a foothold where retail and financial operations might otherwise dominate the space. Here, a wide variety of art galleries and music venues share the street with bookstores, hip cafés, and fine boutiques. In the spring and summer you'll also find large arts and crafts fairs near the waterfront in Nanaimo, for one or two days each week.

Take a Tour of Nanaimo's Art Galleries

City of Nanaimo
Arts, Heritage & Culture Guide

There are six downtown art galleries in all, including a renovated heritage building that provides an inspirational 10,000 square feet of space to display the paintings, pottery, glass sculptures and other extraordinary works of many Canadian artists.

And just 15 minutes from downtown, Nanaimo artists Nixie Barton and Grant Leier have fashioned their whimsical visions into a truly original garden and art gallery in the Cedar-Yellow Point countryside, included as one of 10 extraordinary gardens profiled in "Artists in their Gardens" by Valerie Easton and David Laskin (Sasquatch Books, 2001).

Be sure to pick up a copy of our Maps and Attractions Guide, for a featured map of Nanaimo's art galleries and artisan studios.

Featured Members

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Members

Art 10 Gallery LEE STEAD is the Featured Artist at Art 10 Gallery for the month of June, 2011. While she enjoys working in several media, her painting shown...
Artisan's Studio Art and Craft Co-op. All work is handmade locally by members of this cooperative. It includes pottery,weaving, paintings and prints, basketry,...
Arts & Cultural Guide To B.C. A FREE 160 page year-round guide to the best arts, culture and heritage in British Columbia. Use the guide or companion website,...
Barton & Leier Gallery Nixie and Grant share a studio and home on Vancouver Island, surrounded by an extensive and fabulous garden which has been described as “funky...
Errington Farmers Market Governed by the Farmers' Market Society, the market offers fresh produce, baked goods and items created by local crafters as well as coffee and...
HarbourLiving.ca HarbourLiving.ca is a website promoting events happening across Vancouver Island. Be sure to subscribe to the Free Weekly Enewsletter which...
Hill's Native Art Hill's Native Art in Nanaimo is located at the very heart of the Arts District in the historic downtown area. In 2000, Hill's moved into a...
Island Girl Art Studio Come experience Art courses that focus on learning, relaxation and fun for everyone from 3 to 83! All Art supplies are included in the...
Nanaimo Art Gallery What started out over 30 years ago, as a space to display works by fine arts students at Malaspina College has grown into a Nanaimo cultural...
Nanaimo Arts Council The Nanaimo Arts Council is an umbrella organization dedicated to the support, development and promotion of all the arts in Nanaimo and area....
Nanaimo Downtown Farmers Market The Nanaimo Downtown Farmers' Market is one of the youngest markets on the island, being only in it's eleventh year. From a beginning of only a...
Nanaimo Theatre Group Community Theatre Group with 5 productions September to June each year. About the Nanaimo Theatre Group at the Bailey Studio Our...
The Port Theatre The Port Theatre is a focal point for residents and visitors alike, offering a broad range of cultural events designed to meet many diverse...
TheatreOne TheatreOne has a long and honorable history of bringing professional theatre to Nanaimo and the Mid-Island. Over the course of 25 years, we have...
Vancouver Island Exhibition The Vancouver Island Exhibition will be held August 20, 21 & 22, 2010 at the Beban Park Fair Grounds. This year's theme is "Country Roots...
Vancouver Island Symphony Vancouver Island Symphony, Pierre Simard, Artistic Director Currently in its 14th Season, the Vancouver Island Symphony, ...