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.

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.

Arts Directory

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.

Exterior of Rollin Art Centre

Community Arts Council

The Community Arts Council (est. 1965) opened its doors at the Rollin Art Centre in 1977. In 2022 the organization moved "down the hill" of Argyle Street to its current Harbour Quay location on Port Alberni's oceanfront.

The non-profit organization coordinates exhibits, public programs, a gift shop, and annual events.

The Community Arts Council is a non-profit organization - volunteers and new members are welcome.

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Exterior of Capitol Theatre building

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

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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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Four Local Artists Share their Perspective

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ChoosePortAlbernhi.ca is an initiative by
The City of Port Alberni 
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