Throughout the conference, we offer plenty of ways to connect, unwind, and celebrate with your fellow delegates. Below is a taste of what’s in store.
Unit Artist-Run Centre, 10 Lois Lane
As a warm-up to Pacific Contact, Murmur Arts Collective is hosting an evening cabaret presenting short acts from emerging artists in Nanaimo. The night will feature roughly an hour of diverse performances—clowning, dance, spoken word, and music—followed by time to mingle and connect over drinks before the conference gets underway.
The event will be held at Unit, a new artist-run venue that captures the underground creative energy alive in Nanaimo right now. It’s a chance for delegates to discover the local arts scene, meet the artists behind it, and arrive at Pacific Contact already feeling connected.
Note: Space is limited and seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Slow Socials offer an atmosphere that encourages gentle curiosity, meaningful dialogue, and personal connection through guided, interactive activities.
Sticky Notes on Doors by The Fox Queen
Sticky Notes on Doors is an immersive glimpse into The Fox Queen’s Messages on Doors community engagement workshop, commission and event. Participants delve into some of the practices and experiences explored in our full Messages on Doors project. Designed as an accessible entry point, we invite all to gather in a shared space for knowledge-sharing and reflection.Providing insight into the artistic and cultural foundations of the work, the session dives into the project’s two big Ideas:
1. We are responsible for taking action against the historical and present-day dark messages of hate towards Indigenous peoples.
2. In these times of Reconciliation, we need to connect more.
Encouraging conversation, curiosity, and personal connection through guided interactions, Sticky Notes on Doors is an opportunity to experience the Spirit of Messages on Doors in a condensed format.
Tricoter by Foolish Operations Society
Tricoter (Tree-Ko-Tay) or Knitting in English, is a wonderful melange of colourful yarn, dance and live violin that captivates the imagination. The dance winds and unwinds through and around the public who are arranged in the round. Yarn is integrated into the choreography, weaving an architecture that links the public and the place to the dancer. In this performance, we are reminded of the connection between yarn and knitting in our families.
After the performance, gather, slow down and connect with your peers in this crafty slow social session involving colourful yarn. Learn to make pompoms, how to knit with only your hands or your arms, untangle yarn, or teach someone your fancy techniques!
VICC
Kick things off in style with our signature opening night gathering. Reconnect with familiar faces, meet new collaborators, and toast to the days ahead.
VICC
Enjoy a catered lunch at VICC with tables themed by conversation topics to keep the conversations flowing.
Sign up to join a small group of fellow delegates for dinner at one of Nanaimo’s most beloved restaurants. It’s a relaxed and delicious way to deepen your connections and explore Nanaimo’s culinary scene.
VICC
- 7:00 PM Reception
- 8:00 PM Dinner
- 9:00 PM Awards
Delegates are invited to our Closing Dinner for an evening of celebration, community, and awards. Enjoy a reception, buffet, and our annual Awards Ceremony.
Bistro at the Courtyard Marriott
Keep the conversations going! Our late-night lounge is your place to connect, debrief and unwind after an inspiring day discovering the brightest talent in BC.