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One of the things I appreciate most about Nanaimo is the public art around the city, such as the manhole covers depicting eagles, frogs and orcas designed by Snuneymuxw artist Joel Good, who died last year. 

The City of Nanaimo is calling for artists to submit their portfolios to participate in the 2025-28 Urban Design Roster. 

The program helps beautify the city through murals, surface treatments on play areas, decorative utility covers and urban street designs. Scroll down to read my story from last year about the artist selected for the 2025 Nanaimo street banners.

"The Urban Design Roster is an invitation to artists to help imagine the future of our city – one where creativity and artistry is part of the landscape,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog in a press release. “I encourage artists from across B.C. to consider lending their talents to help make our public spaces more vibrant, welcoming and uniquely Nanaimo.”

The deadline for artists to apply is Oct. 12 and a selection panel including city staff and members of the Art in Public Spaces Working Group will review applications.

Thank you for reading,

Mick Sweetman

‘Harmonious’ and ‘challenging’: Artist celebrates metamorphosis in new Nanaimo street banner design.

Aiym Samay-Sampson hopes to encourage youth to ‘embrace their creativity’ after fragmented butterfly chosen by city.

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A MESSAGE FROM CRIMSON COAST DANCE

Running July 3 to 13th, the 27th InFrinGinG Dance Festival opens with DanceABLE, a dance creation developed by facilitators and dancers who experience disabilities.

In residence for a week is renowned Toronto choreographer Sid Ryan Eilers. Along with performing at The Port Theatre and offering a class, Queer Conscious Moving Bodies, they will facilitate the SPLASHmob, an annual creative process. Register to participate in this movement exploration suitable for all experience levels, ages, and identities! 

Crimson Coast is honoured to host Montreal’s legendary hip hop OG, ‘Spicey’, who will perform in a reflective solo, Monad, and also judge CHILL— a full-day hip hop battle.

Welcome to The Hub Nanaimo, your weekly insider guide to the best of community arts and culture. Did a friend forward this email to you? Subscribe to this newsletter. Got the inside scoop of an event you think should be shared? Let us know by  sending Mick an email.

🎵 Listen 🎤

Thursday, June 26, 5 p.m.: Michelle Loretta will kick off the music on the Commercial Street Night Market’s main stage followed by Samuel Kjell Smith (6 p.m.), Fiddelium (7 p.m.) while Voodoo Dave and Friends Community Drum Circle will jam at 8 p.m.

Thursday, June 26, 6 p.m.: Bev Finch and Steve L’masso will play on Bastion Street at the Commercial Street Night Market followed by Lazy Mike Mallon at 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 26, 9 p.m.: Entangados will play two sets of Argentine cumbia, rock, hip-hop, rumba and world music at the Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $20.

Friday, June 27, 4 p.m.:  Caveman & The Banshee, Smash TV, and Danger Box will play Mousefest 2025 at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $20.

Friday, June 27, 6 p.m.: Rock band Exit 30 will play at the Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival in Maffeo Sutton Park as part of the City of Nanaimo’s free Concerts in the Park series.

Friday, June 27, 7:15 p.m.: Country-rock artist Joel Lee will play at the Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival in Maffeo Sutton Park as part of the City of Nanaimo’s free Concerts in the Park series. 

Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.: The Arrow in the Quiver will play an album release show with Our Last Crusade, All Was Lost and Mutual Trauma at The Globe Live Studio. Tickets cost $20 online or $25 at the door. 

Saturday, June 28, 9 p.m.: Nanaimo's monthly experimental noise and improv music night Fake Jass features Maskara, Allinesik, i.o. and Pet Retina at The Vault Cafe. Tickets cost $15/PWYC.

🎭 View 🖼️

Friday, June 27, Noon: Take a lunchtime tour of the exhibit After Wrappers by artist-run flavour incubator Big Rock Candy Mountain at the Nanaimo Art Gallery. Tickets cost $5 or are free for members. 

⛹️ Meet 🎲

Wednesday, June 24, 6:35 p.m: The Nanaimo Night Owls play the Victoria Harbourcats at Serauxmen Stadium. Tickets cost $10-25.

Wednesday, June 25, 7 p.m.: Practising artists will gather at the Nanaimo Art Gallery for a quarterly Artist Meetup that will include creative activities and a tour of the current exhibit After Wrappers. RSVP online.  

Thursday, June 26, 6:15 p.m.: Join the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club for a fun-filled day of trying out the sport of lawn bowling in Bowen Park. Tickets cost $11. 

Thursday, June 26, 5 p.m.: The Commercial Street Night Market features artisan vendors, food trucks, musical performances, a vibrant kids’ zone and a new inclusive zone creating a festive family atmosphere.

Friday, June 27, Noon to 8 p.m.: The Strait Curbside Food Truck Festival is in Maffeo Sutton Park. 

Friday, June 27, 6:30 p.m.: The Nanaimo Night Owls play the Edmonton Riverhawks at Serauxmen Stadium. Tickets cost $10-25.

Saturday, June 28, 6:40 p.m.: The Nanaimo Night Owls play the Edmonton Riverhawks at Serauxmen Stadium. Tickets cost $10-25.

Sunday, June 29, 1 p.m.: The Nanaimo Night Owls play the Edmonton Riverhawks at Serauxmen Stadium. Tickets cost $10-25.

Sunday, June 29, 1 p.m.: Make artist trading cards at the Nanaimo Art Gallery. Free for members, $5 for non-members. 

Tuesday, July 1, 1 p.m.: The Canada Day 2025 celebration in Maffeo Sutton Park will include live music, a Kid and Family Zone, a cultural community stage, food trucks and a water station. 

Tuesday, July 1, 6:30 p.m.: The Nanaimo Night Owls play the Victoria Harbourcats at Serauxmen Stadium. Tickets cost $10-25.

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