ARTS & EVENTS

Port Alberni is a tight-knit community of people who know how to make things. There is a history of harvesting and using the bounty of natural resources around us, and a habit of learning to make our own fun. Combine that with the inspiration from our rugged west coast landscape and you have an environment that's a natural draw for creative-minded folk.

Supporting creative expression in all its forms.

Serious about Your Art?

Running a professional creative practice has many of the same needs as running a business.
Whatever discipline you work in, there are supports in place locally for startups, expansion, professional development and more.

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Find Studio Space

Arts Directory

Applied Arts

Electron Metalworks
Metalwork company offering custom metal art and fabrication services including welding, CAD design, laser engraving, 3D scanning and printing, automation, machining and powder coating.

West Coast Weavers & Spinners

Visual Artists & Artist Studios

Dance

Digital Media

Galleries

Music

Theatre

Writing

Join the Art Rave Society of Alberni!

Arts in port Alberni: 4 Local Artists Share their Perspective

Arts Facilities

Port Alberni's major art facilities are located in the Rotary Arts District, encompassing Argyle Street and certain side roads from 10th Avenue to the Harbour Quay, including the Uptown business district. During the summer months look for the colourful display of hand-painted street banners made by local volunteers as part of the Rotary's Banner Program.

Rollin Art Centre & Community Arts Council

The Rollin Art Centre is operated by the Community Arts Council (est. 1965) and opened its doors in 1977. it coordinates exhibits, public programs, a gift shop, and annual events such as the summertime Teas on the Terrace.

Located in the historic home of Fred and Ellen Rollin, the gallery building was constructed in 1914 and is surrounded by heritage gardens featuring a gazebo, fountains, sculptures and a Japanese garden.

Rollin Art Centre is a non-profit organization - volunteers and new members are welcome.

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The Capitol Theatre

The Capitol Theatre is owned and operated by the Portal Players Dramatic Society. All actors, directors, crew & production teams, along with theatre maintenance people are highly skilled, talented and local volunteers working hard to help and promote a vibrant arts community in the Alberni Valley.

The theatre is a local heritage building constructed in 1936 by Jack and Louise Warren and their son Harold. A historic mural for the building was completed in 2016 by local artist Shayne Lloyd.

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Local Events

Event Guides

Port Alberni likes a good get-together. Check local event calendars for concerts, sporting events, fundraisers, games nights at local eateries, live theatre productions and large scale annual events.

Favourite Annual Events

Alberni District Fall Fair (Sept)
Five Acre Shaker Music Festival (Aug)
Okee-dokee Slo-Pitch Tournament & Music Festival (June)
Port Alberni Toy Run (Sept)
Salmon Festival (Sept)
Solstice Arts Festival (June)
Tlupiich Games - Nuu-chah-nulth sporting event (Aug)

Alberni.ca Event Calendar

Sports, arts and charity events as well as important community meetings and presentations.

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Fireworks over Harbour Quay during Salmon Festival in Port Alberni

City Community Calendar

Local bulletin board of seasonal, year-round and 1-time events and activities.

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Kwakiutl style woodcarving of raven by Erich Glendale

Solstice Arts Festival

Annual celebration of arts, music, culture and heritage held every June. Family activities, artisan vendors, food, music and 'Day with the Arts' Self-Guided Studio Open House tours.

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Five Acre Shaker Music Festival

Battle of the Bands

Event videos produced by local videographer SG Film Company.
Top banner image of mural by local artist Shayne Lloyd.
Photo of woodcarving by local artist Gordon Dick at Gordon Dick Studio/Ahtsik Gallery.