Upcoming Events & Calls for Artists/Poets

Find events and opportunities for artists including calls for public art. Find events and opportunities related to our Poet Laureate programs.

Upcoming Events:


A National Poetry Month Event
Russell Books (Victoria, BC)
Friday, Apr. 11 at 7:30pm
Hosted by Ian Higgins and featuring Nanaimo Poet Laureate Neil Surkan, Natalie Lim, Catherine St. Denis, and Eli Mushumanski. 

2025 Culture Awards
FREE | The Port Theatre
Wednesday, Apr. 16 at 7pm
More information & tickets.

Poetry Reading with Youth Poet Laureate Paige Pierce
FREE | Drop-In | Harbourfront Library 
Wednesday, Apr. 16 from 6 - 7:30PM Public welcome, but does not include an open mic. 

NEW Chapbooks Launch
Bethlehem Centre (2371 Arbot Rd, Nanaimo, BC)
Sunday, Apr. 27 at 2pm
Join Marlene Dean, MJ Burrows, and Mary Ann Moore, with special guest, Neil Surkan. 

MC Poetry Contest Showcase 
(Duncan, BC)
Thursday, May 22 at 7pm 
Join Youth Poet Laureate Paige Pierce at the 2025 MC Poetry Contest Showcase. Open to the public. Tickets will be available for purchase. Organized by the Cowichan Foundation. More information & tickets

Read, Reflect, and Write with Poet Laureate Neil Surkan
FREE | Drop-In | Harbourfront Library Meeting Room
Wednesdays, Jun. 4 at 7pm
An opportunity to develop skills as a poet and collaborate and learn from others. 

Poetry in the Harbour with Neil Surkan and Special Guests
FREE | Drop-In| VICC Piper’s Lagoon Lobby
Wednesdays, June 11 at 7pm
Join Poet Laureate, Neil Surkan, and special guests for an evening of poetry!  

Current Calls for Artists/Poets:


Call for Youth Poetry

Coming Soon

Questions?

Please reach out to the Culture & Events team using the info below.

Contact Us

Culture & Events
250-755-4483
cultureandevents@nanaimo.ca

Last updated: April 10, 2025

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