VIU Arts and Humanities

09/09/2026

Happening tonight! 🖋️
What: Poetry in the Harbour, a reading series in Nanaimo
When: Wednesday, September 9th, at 7PM
Where: Pipers Lagoon Lobby (in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, entrance at 80 Commercial Street across from the Vancouver Island Literacy Centre)
How Much: FREE!
Who: Kevin Spenst, dalton derkson, Erin Zinsky, Bailey Bellosillo

07/30/2026

Thinking about taking a course this fall? Check out HIST 121 and 207! 👀

05/13/2026

Moose Hide Flag Raising Ceremony

Join us on May 14 from 10 to 10:30 am in the RBC Plaza for a Moose Hide Campaign Flag Raising Ceremony. Students, staff, and faculty are invited to come together in support of ending violence against women and children. The Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led movement that began in BC, calling on all of us to raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and take action. A livestream featuring sessions and ceremonies will also be available in Shq’apthut from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Drop in and be part of this important day!

04/20/2026

Portal, VIU’s full-colour literary magazine, celebrates its 35th anniversary on Friday April 24th at Beban Auditorium A, 2300 Bowen Road, marking the accomplishments of its 34 student authors and photographers.

Portal 2026 will be on newsstands across the country in May, but will launch when doors open at 6:30 on the 24thfollowed by an evening of readings from contributors, music by the Wellington Jazz Academy, and the awarding of Creative Writing department scholarships and recognition of graduates. The issue’s Managing Editors Taylor Fleming and Alexandra Groenwoldt will emcee, and Dean Katharine Rollwagen and department Chair Craig Taylor and other faculty will be there to cheer them on.

https://events.viu.ca/portal-celebrates-35-years-launch-2026-issue-april-24th

04/20/2026

April 24 2026, 6:20 - 7:20 pm
The Visual Art department is hosting its annual Progressions student exhibition and awards ceremony. Join faculty and students in celebrating the creative talent and remarkable achievements this year.

https://events.viu.ca/visual-art-student-exhibition-and-awards-ceremony

04/20/2026

Join Media Studies students and faculty Thursday April 23rd from 4-7 pm at Verra Creative, 21 Nicol St, Nanaimo for a year-end sample of student projects, mingling with industry guests, and recognition of graduates. From 5-5:45 pm, the event will unveil a highlight reel of videos, the online magazine Bright’s latest good news, and excerpts from graduate projects for guests and curious attendees who want a taste of what the department has been up to in its 21st year.

The department invites people to stop by, check out student stations to participate in interactive demos, ask questions, or screen trailers in this innovative and informational open-house event.

04/20/2026

All interested students can register to attend our VIU Graphic Design info sessions coming up on April 22 and May 20. The open house on April 22 is at VIU’s Nanaimo campus at 6:00 PM in building 325, room 207

Register here:
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=9f6NEtX9_Ey-GTZ57QJxzk-GVq1d5JdJjIDMcOHr-WNUMU1HRThTQ0MxN1BIRVpIWkxQOFFSNElDRi4u&route=shorturl

04/16/2026

All are welcome to attend the final year-end show for our Bachelor of Interior Design students. April 25 from 12-5pm at the conference centre downtown. Free entry, and lots of talented students to chat with about their learning, projects and goals moving forward after graduation.

04/16/2026

This year FPSE’s Human Rights Speaker’s Tour webinar on April 23 at 3pm PST takes “Humanizing Post-Secondary Systems” as its theme. Central to the discussion is the question as to why so many institutional dispute resolution processes end up causing more harm than good, often inflicting lasting damage to individuals, even when processes are resolved in their favour. Four speakers with backgrounds in restorative justice, institutional psychology, and indigenous governance will offer their insights and explore alternatives to current practices. The presentations will be followed by a question and answer period for the audience.

04/13/2026

Portal magazine celebrates 35 years
Portal, VIU’s national, full-colour literary magazine, celebrates its 35th anniversary on Friday, April 24 with a launch party for its 2026 edition. Portal 2026 marks the accomplishments of 34 student authors and photographers. The launch includes an evening of readings from contributors, music by the Wellington Jazz Academy, and the awarding of Creative Writing department scholarships and recognition of graduates.

Public invited to an evening of readings, music and celebrationPortal, VIU’s full-colour national literary magazine, celebrates its 35th anniversary on Friday, April 24 with a launch party for its 2026 issue.