Nanaimo Poet Laureate
From August 2021 to summer 2024, Kamal Parmar served as the Poet Laureate for the City of Nanaimo, acting as a literary ambassador for the community. In this role, she worked to elevate poetry in public spaces, foster connections through storytelling, and encourage reflection and healing through the written word.
Appointed for an initial two-year term beginning August 1, 2021, Kamal’s tenure was extended due to the pandemic, allowing her to continue developing literary programs and community initiatives across the city.
Bringing Poetry into the Community
During her time as Poet Laureate, Kamal focused on making poetry accessible and visible throughout Nanaimo. Her work emphasized the power of language to bring people together and create shared experiences.
Key initiatives included:
– Poetry in the Park: community-based readings and creative events in local parks
– Public Poetry Installations: contributions to Nanaimo’s Poetry Walk outside the Port Theatre
– Community Engagement: collaborations with local writers, arts organizations, and residents
Through these initiatives, poetry moved beyond the page and into everyday spaces where people live, gather, and connect.
A Voice In Canadian Poetry
Kamal Parmar is a published poet and writer with more than two decades of experience. Her work explores themes of identity, culture, belonging, and community. She is a member of national literary organizations, including The League of Canadian Poets and Haiku Canada.
Her work has appeared in books, public installations, and literary publications across Canada.
As Nanaimo’s Poet Laureate, Kamal followed Tina Biello (2017–2020) and contributed to the growing literary culture of the city. Her work continues to be featured on the Poetry Walk outside the Port Theatre, leaving a lasting imprint on Nanaimo’s cultural landscape.