Every year since 1998, the City of Nanaimo has celebrated local excellence in arts and culture through its annual Culture Awards event. The awards celebrate local excellence and honour achievement. Recognizing outstanding organizations, groups or individuals in the arts and culture fields, the Culture Awards foster community awareness and pride in the calibre of arts and culture activity in Nanaimo and the dynamic impact of the sector on our community’s economic, social and cultural well-being.

2026 Culture Award recipients will be honoured at a free community event at the Port Theatre on the evening of Tuesday, April 14th, 2026. The public is invited to attend, celebrating the achievements of these extraordinary individuals, while enjoying an evening of free entertainment by Nanaimo’s very own local talent.

Award recipients are named by Council. The City accepts Culture Award nominations from the community, which are reviewed by a panel comprised of City staff, leaders in the arts and culture sector, and former Culture Award recipients.

Tickets are FREE but must be reserved.

THE 2026 CULTURE AWARD RECIPIENTS:

EXCELLENCE IN CULTURE 2026: Leon Potter

This award recognizes an individual or organization that has achieved regional and/or national recognition in the arts and is a significant inspiration to others. Leon Potter is recognized for his demonstrated excellence as a theatre artist, educator, mentor, and cultural leader whose influence has shaped Nanaimo’s artistic community for more than two decades. A long-time faculty member and Director and Designer at Vancouver Island University, Potter has trained and mentored generations of emerging artists while elevating professional standards across disciplines. Through his directing, adjudicating, producing, and leadership in major cultural events, Potter’s artistic integrity and commitment to collaboration have strengthened Nanaimo’s reputation as a centre for creative excellence.

HONOUR IN CULTURE 2026: Luis Porretta

This award is presented to an individual, group, or organization known for their dedication and support of Nanaimo’s cultural community. Luis Porretta is honoured for his long-standing dedication to enriching Nanaimo’s music scene through the independent promotion of live performance, mentorship, and artist advocacy. For more than 20 years, Porretta has supported and presented high-quality jazz and contemporary music through Quadwrangle Music Productions, creating meaningful opportunities for local and emerging artists while bringing acclaimed performers to the community. Known for his generosity, mentorship, and tireless volunteer efforts, Porretta’s work has strengthened relationships between artists, venues, and audiences and contributed significantly to Nanaimo’s vibrant live-music ecosystem.

HONOUR IN HERITAGE 2026: Brian McFadden

This award recognizes outstanding service and dedication to the preservation and promotion of Nanaimo’s heritage and history. Brian McFadden is recognized for his exceptional commitment to preserving and sharing Nanaimo’s military heritage as a long-time volunteer and President of the Vancouver Island Military Museum. Over many years, McFadden has researched, designed, and developed the majority of the museum’s exhibits, ensuring that local military stories are thoughtfully interpreted and accessible to the public. His work emphasizes Nanaimo’s contributions to military service in both wartime and peacekeeping contexts, with a strong focus on education, remembrance, and community connection. Through education, outreach, guided tours, and advocacy, McFadden’s leadership and scholarship have strengthened community understanding, remembrance, and pride in Nanaimo’s history.