The Nanaimo Arts 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's 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 in Nanaimo near the waterfront, for one or two days each week.
Check out the art displays, workshops, and special programs that are being held from May to December in honour of Nanaimo's Cultural Capital of Canada designation.
Take a Tour of Nanaimo's Art Galleries
1. Art 10 Gallery, Port Place Shopping Centre. This well-established art gallery features original artwork by local artists. For more than 20 years this artist-run gallery has been selling unique pottery, paintings and cards to suit varied tastes.
2. Nanaimo Art Gallery, 150 Commercial Street, & 900 Fifth Street. The Nanaimo Art Gallery downtown offers an art rental and sales program with beautiful artwork from more than 80 local artists. There is also a gift shop full of unique items, monthly exhibits, workshops and artist talks. The Nanaimo Art Gallery on the Malaspina University-College campus offers similar features.
3. Artisan's Studio, 70 Bastion Street. Established in 1975, this local cooperative features quality arts and crafts from Vancouver Island, including pottery, woodwork, leather, knitting, weaving, bags, wall hangings, silk scarves, stained glass, original prints, paintings, and jewelry.
4. Hill's Native Art, at 76 Bastion Street, possesses North America's largest collection of Northwest Coast First Nations artwork. It's a wonderful place to find authentic native jewelry, masks, Cowichan sweaters, Inuit sculpture, totem poles, limited edition prints, and original paintings.
5. Gallery 223, at 223 Commercial Street, the gallery carries a great selection of original paintings, pottery, glass, carvings and sculptures in a relaxed environment. Work by local artists is complemented by selected Canadian and European artists. The Gallery also offers a custom framing service.
6. Capewell Design & Art Studio, 5732 Hammond Bay Road. Valerie Capewell paints large acrylics and contemporary works of Italian architecture. Conveniently located in the north end of Nanaimo, this studio is open by appointment only (758-6505).
7. Nanaimo Arts Council in Rutherford Mall is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to the support, promotion and development of the visual, performing and creative arts in Nanaimo.
8. Barton & Leier Gallery, at 3140 DeCourcy Drive, is a magical garden and gallery full of original paintings by Nixie Barton and Grant Leier. This gallery is open April 1st through November 30th, Thursday-Sunday, and features a unique gift shop. The gallery is often available for viewings, and by appointment during off hours.
9. Black Rock Gallery, on Fitzwilliam Street, exhibits the work of national and local contemporary Canadian artists. The gallery shop has something unique for everyone including folk art, home accessories, handbags, jewelry, cards, journals and fine papers.
Be sure to pick up a copy of our Nanaimo Visitor Guide, as page 31 features a map of Nanaimo's art galleries and artisan studios.
Live Theatre in Nanaimo
The performing arts offer a rich source of cultural entertainment in Nanaimo. The Port Theatre is an 800-seat complex that was built in 1998. Located downtown overlooking the waterfront, the Port Theatre is the perfect venue to relax and enjoy a variety of performances. Ballet, improvisation, drama, and concerts featuring world-class musicians, are just some of the spectacular entertainment that you can find here.
The Harbour City is home to TheatreOne, which is a professional theatre company, as well as the Nanaimo Theatre Group, which is community based. These companies offer drama, comedy improv, children's theatre, and fringe flicks. Nanaimo theatre companies have something for everyone, and help to promote a love for the performing arts in adults and children, alike.
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