The nomination period for the City of Nanaimo’s annual cultural awards has been extended to Oct. 31.

Through the awards, the city recognizes outstanding organizations, groups or individuals in the arts and culture fields in Nanaimo.

The public is invited to nominate organizations or individuals for the Excellence in Culture, Honour in Culture and Emerging Cultural Leader awards.

The new Emerging Cultural Leader Award is being introduced to recognize up-and-coming, Nanaimo-based cultural leaders. This award is targeted to recognize individuals under 25 years of age who have contributed significantly to the cultural life in Nanaimo.

Nominations for the awards will be reviewed by the cultural committee with recommendations to the Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission for its endorsement.

The awards will be presented in the spring of 2014 at the Port Theatre by city council and will be displayed in the Margaret Strongitharm Gallery at the Port Theatre.

Nomination forms may be picked up at Bowen or Beban Recreation Centres or online at www.nanaimo.ca.

For more information, please contact Bob Kuhn, manager of recreation and culture services at 250-760-1139.