In the Gallery

League Nanaimo is a project led by Vancouver and Salt Spring Island based artist Germaine Koh that unites creative process and play. Community members of all ages are invited to gather and exercise creativity by developing new games and sports through iterative, embodied activities. Games evolve organically as they are played, and strategies emerge through trial and improvisation, and sometimes new tools are invented on the fly.

Koh’s playful art installation turns Nanaimo Art Gallery into an experimental arena of sorts where visitors are welcome to jump, throw, dance, run, and touch; all actions that are usually frowned upon in art museums. In this space, that is a cross between a hockey rink, a dance hall, a tennis court, and an archery range, you are invited to interact with objects and markings, and with each other, and could find yourself developing your own games.

The Gallery also serves as a hub for community outreach as the artist and Gallery facilitators bring League Nanaimo into the broader community. During the run of the exhibition, League activities not only take place in the gallery, but also at Nanaimo parks.

Launched by Germaine Koh in 2012, League is an art project that shares creative process rather than finished artworks. Processes of learning, adapting, and iterating are central to the overall concept. League invites us to experience the similarities between the improvisation, negotiation, reflection, and critical thinking that happen both in sport and art-making. The project is based in a belief that games, sport and play are serious forms of problem-solving and even problem-making.

League Nanaimo is the third exhibition through which Nanaimo Art Gallery asks the question: How can we play together?

With Support From:

Audio Transcript

The audio description tour below will take you through our current exhibition, League Nanaimo

Community Events

Join us for a League Nanaimo event in a park! Engage in creative game making, using sport and imagination to invent new ways of moving, playing, and connecting. Events are free and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Park events are from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, drop in any time!

Deverill Square Gyro 2 Park Events:
(200 Irwin St, Nanaimo, BC)

Saturday, September 13th, 2025
Saturday, September 27th, 2025

Thursday Evenings at the Gallery:

Join Germaine in the Gallery every Thursday evening during the Commercial Street Night Market and beyond.

September 18 DIY Making & Pride Night | 5:00 – 8:00 pm

September 25 All Wheels | 3:00-5:00 pm

October 2 Debate | 3:00 – 5:00 pm

League Nanaimo community events are supported by Island Health and Pacific Public Health Foundation.