Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild

Who we are

The Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild is a volunteer advisory group that supports the Old Victoria Arts Centre (OV Arts Centre) by providing guidance to City staff on how to maintain, operate, and improve the venue for community use.

How the Guild was formed

When the City moved to direct management of the venue, City Council established a committee to provide advice and guidance to City staff on stewardship of the space - both day-to-day needs and longer-term improvements.

After operating as a formal committee for a short period, it became clear that the group could be more effective as a less formal body that could meet more regularly and form working groups (subcommittees) to move projects forward.

On September 8, 2025, City Council voted to allow the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild to be a Parks, Recreation and Culture Advisory Committee. This shift has supported more nimble, hands-on work, such as establishing:

  • a Communications Subcommittee, and

  • a Venue Upgrades Subcommittee focused on near-term improvements (including painting and flooring).

What the Guild does

The Guild’s role is to support a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable performing arts venue by advising and collaborating with the City on priorities for the Old Victoria Arts Centre. The Guild’s purpose is to support and celebrate  a wide range of performing arts activities at the venue, increasing public understanding and appreciation of the local performing arts community, and providing advice and guidance on strategic and operational improvements. 

Key areas of work include:

  • providing recommendations on maintenance and operational needs and space-related supports

  • collaborating with the City to help inform maintenance and operating budgets

  • supporting effective day-to-day operations and related facility needs

  • working toward an accessible, inclusive, and affordable venue for small-budget performances

Read the full Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild Terms of Reference (PDF).

Members

  • Wendy Wearne, Chair
  • Arlene Blundell, At Large
  • Holly Bright, At Large
  • Jason Friesen, At Large
  • Eliza Gardiner, At Large
  • Samantha Letourneau, At Large
  • Bill Miner, At Large
  • Peter Petralia, At Large
  • Gregory Segal, At Large

Meeting updates and brief reports

After each meeting, the committee provides a brief report. This is part of our commitment to making the work of the committee as transparent as possible.

May 5, 2026 - Meeting report (brief)

The Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild had to reschedule the April monthly meeting to May 5th because of staffing complications.  President Wendy Wearne presided over the members present.  The Guild received an update on the fencing around the OV from Mike Bryson.  At $7000 per foot, it was felt to be too expensive and, that money put toward risers.  Painting of the interior and new flooring is expected to happen in July and August.  Communications update included adding to the website information, working with Tourism Nanaimo to promote OV activities, and creating a What’s Happening at the OV page.  

Office hours at the OV will continue Mondays and Fridays from 4 - 6 and there will be another Open House on May 27th with a singer from Chile providing some entertainment from 4 - 6pm.  Process for adding new members to the Board was discussed.  The current Schedule of renters for the OV was presented.  Next meeting of the Guild will be May 26th.

Mar 26, 2026 — Meeting report (brief)

Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild held its regular monthly meeting on March 26, with chair Wendy Wearne presiding. Wendy introduced the new Venue Technician & Site Liaison at the OV, Justin MacFadden, who gave a report on current activity in the OV Arts Centre and shared his thoughts on his future role.

The Guild announced the upcoming Open House schedule: April 29, May 27, and June 25, between the hours of 2:00–4:00 pm. Guild member Holly Bright updated everyone on renovation plans. The entire interior of the OV is to be freshly painted, and new flooring—donated by Interface, a global leader in sustainable flooring solutions—will be installed.

Office hours at the OV will begin in April. The OV Arts Centre will be open Monday, April 20, 4 - 6pm, Friday, April 24, 4 - 6pm and Monday, April 27, 4 - 6pm. Guild members Wendy Wearne and Eliza Gardiner will attend the next meeting of the City’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness (ACAI) to share the Guild’s work plan and accomplishments to date. Guild members continue to be guided by the work plan they have established. The next meeting of the Guild will be held on May 5.

Whether you’re a theatre company, a musician, someone hosting a gathering, someone looking to book a private event, or seeking rehearsal space, the OV Arts Centre is ready to welcome you. For full details on the venue and how to book, visit www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/culture/cultural-spaces/the-ov-arts-centre.

Next meeting: The next meeting will take place on May 5, 2026 (see the 2026 schedule below).

2026 Meeting schedule

  • Tuesday, May 5, 2026
  • Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Workplan

The committee follows a workplan that has been developed in collaboration with the city. For more details, please refer to the Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild Work Plan (PDF).

HomePage / Parks, Rec & Culture / Culture / Cultural Spaces & Facilities / The OV Arts Centre / Nanaimo Performing Arts Guild

Last updated: May 12, 2026

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