The vision for the City’s cultural development is: “Victoria radiates creativity and thrives as a home to creative people and everyday artistic encounters.”
Victoria has a vibrant and eclectic arts and culture community. The City is home to world-class performing arts, museums and festivals to local authors and artisans. The contrast of heritage charm and modern urban living is part of what makes Victoria one of the most unique and special places in Canada.
The City has been working with local arts and cultural groups for over 45 years. The City supports multicultural festivals, special events and film, Canada Day celebrations, public art, Victoria Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate programs, Indigenous Artist in Residence and Artist in Residence programs, and the annual City of Victoria Butler Book Prize and Children's Book Prize.
Current Opportunities
The City is searching for a new Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate to bring creativity to our community through the written and spoken word. These two-year positions are great opportunities for both established writers and the next generation of emerging poets.
The Poet Laureate position is an opportunity to honour, celebrate and reflect the life of the city through composing new poetry, participating in community events and reading poetry at Council meetings and public events. The Youth Poet Laureate position is an opportunity for poets between the ages of 14-24 to produce new work and organize an annual community youth poetry event, while being mentored by the Poet Laureate.
Recent Opportunities
CALL TO ARTISTS - Commercial Alley Art Gallery
Earlier this summer, the City of Victoria invited artists residing in the Capital Regional District (CRD), including the Gulf Islands, to submit new site-specific proposals for the 2024 Commercial Alley Art Gallery.
The application deadline was 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 15.
Please check back here for an announcement about the new Commercial Alley artist/s in October. Thank you for your interest in this program that brings creativity to Commercial Alley.
Create Victoria Newsletter
To stay informed of new artistic opportunities and initiatives at the City of Victoria, subscribe to our Create Victoria newsletter.
ArtsVictoria.ca Online Directory
The Arts Victoria Online Directory is a go-to source for arts and culture in the Capital City.
The Arts Victoria inventory maps out more than 1,000 City-owned and community-run arts and culture assets in Victoria. The online directory can help you find art galleries, performance venues and dance or music lessons.
2024/2025 Community Programmers Roster
Thank you to all those who applied to the City's 2024/2025 roster of pre-qualified local community programmers to activate Victoria public spaces throughout the year. The deadline to apply was December 17, 2023. The City held a similar call for musicians. Applications will be reviewed by City staff. Those selected will be notified in February 2024.
Art in Kiosks Program
The City’s Art in Kiosks program enhances everyday artistic encounters and conversations in public spaces. It celebrates the creativity of local visual artists by temporary exhibition opportunities throughout downtown. Artworks are displayed in rotation throughout the year.
Artists residing in the Capital Region District (including the Gulf Islands) apply for the program through an annual open call. Artworks are selected by a jury of local artists and art professionals.