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Art Galleries in Nanaimo

Nanaimo, a vibrant city located on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, is renowned for its stunning coastal views, rich cultural heritage, and thriving arts scene. With its picturesque waterfront, historic architecture, and dynamic community, Nanaimo offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and artistic expression through its local art galleries and cultural events.

The art galleries in Nanaimo feature a wide range of artworks that reflect the city’s diverse cultural landscape and scenic surroundings. Local galleries such as the Nanaimo Art Gallery and various independent studios showcase contemporary art, traditional crafts, and local photography. These spaces provide an important platform for both emerging and established artists, highlighting the region’s creative talent and fostering a strong cultural presence in the community.

Nanaimo also hosts several cultural events that celebrate its artistic community. Annual events like the Nanaimo Art Walk, the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival, and local craft fairs offer opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with the city’s vibrant arts scene. These events create a lively atmosphere where art enthusiasts can explore a variety of artistic expressions, connect with local artists, and immerse themselves in the city’s cultural life.

Exploring the art galleries and attending cultural events in Nanaimo provides a chance to experience the city’s creative spirit while enjoying its beautiful coastal environment. Whether you’re interested in contemporary art, traditional crafts, or simply appreciating the artistic ambiance inspired by Nanaimo’s stunning waterfront and vibrant community, the city offers a welcoming and enriching environment for art lovers.

Nanaimo is situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. One of the main things to do in downtown Nanaimo is a visit to the Nanaimo Museum, located in downtown on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw Nation. The museum offers a variety of critically acclaimed exhibits including the ones being brought from the Canadian History Museum, the National Gallery and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Other art attractions include the Nanaimo Ceramic Arts - Studio & Gallery which showcases ceramics, paintings, jewelry and fibre arts. The studio also offers 1-2 day workshops for all ages. Apart from museums, the city also has the Port Theatre, which is an 800-seat theatre located downtown. Additionally, the city also hosts the annual Jazz Festival that showcases many local artists Beautiful scenery and a rich local culture make downtown Nanaimo a great destination for art enthusiasts. 

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Nanaimo Art Gallery

Nanaimo
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Located on the lands of the Snuneymuxw, in the heart of downtown Nanaimo, Nanaimo Art Gallery is an ambitious public art gallery that inspires and engages its communities through art. Over the past several years, the Gallery has moved through a phase of significant transformation to reposition itself in the communities we serve and to enhance our capacity. We have Read more...

Upcoming Community Events

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After Wrappers | Nanaimo Art Gallery

Nanaimo Art Gallery
Nanaimo
Date:
May 3, 2025
-
July 13, 2025
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After Wrappers  Artists: Big Rock Candy Mountain May 3rd to July 13th, 2025 Big Rock Candy Mountain is an artist-run flavor incubator and taste-making think-tank between Hannah Jickling, Reed H. Reed, a variety of guest artists, and elementary school students. “The artworks in this exhibition are the result of dynamic collaborations between artists and elementary school students. What a great Read more...
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Dinosaurs of BC | Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo
Date:
June 7, 2025
-
September 6, 2025
New
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Dig into prehistoric British Columbia and get up close and personal with “Buster”, the Iron Lizard of the Sustut River, and the other dinosaurs that once roamed the province’s highest peaks, densest forests and most remote river basins. Through research done by the Royal BC Museum’s palaeontology team, we’re learning just how many ancient creatures once called these lands home. Read more...
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Brutalist Daydream; a new collection by Sandy Harquail | Nanaimo Ceramic Arts

Nanaimo Ceramic Arts – Studio & Gallery
Nanaimo
Date:
August 16, 2025
-
August 30, 2025
New
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Brutalist Daydream, a new collection of work by ceramist Sandy Harquail Opening reception Aug 16th 6-8pm, meet the artist, light refreshments and be the first to shop the collection Show runs until Aug 30th, Gallery is open 11 AM – 5 PM, Tuesday to Saturday Sandy’s new work explores the relationship between concrete and clay, inspired by brutalist architecture. She Read more...
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Nanaimo International Jazz Festival (NIJFA)

Nanaimo International Jazz Festival (NIJFA)
Nanaimo
Date:
September 12, 2025
-
September 14, 2025
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Organized by the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival Association, this annual event promises a vibrant celebration of jazz, with a rich lineup of performances and activities. The heart of this year’s festival will be on the Wesley Street Stage in the historic Old City Quarter, where a series of free performances will create an inviting and festive atmosphere. These performances are an excellent opportunity for the community and visitors alike Read more...
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Grow Nanaimo | Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum
Nanaimo
Date:
September 27, 2025
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September 6, 2026
New
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Farming and food security are important topics of conversations today, and in the past. Grow Nanaimo features stories of complex relationships with the land, culturally diverse farmers, and Five Acres, a planned agricultural community now known as Harewood. Take a seat in the outhouse interactive and be privy to the secrets of the night soil scavengers and check out the Read more...
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Nanaimo Art Walk

Nanaimo Art Walk
Nanaimo
Date:
November 22, 2025
-
November 23, 2025
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Since 1999, the Downtown Nanaimo Artwalk has been an exciting cultural event for visual artists to display works of art for sale. This is a self-guided tour through artists studios and host locations, featuring a great variety of art with something for everybody’s budget. Read more...
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