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.