The Oct. 26 event aims to mix nightlife with community and competition
Photo by Nikki Frazer.
This fast-paced event gives audiences the chance to watch local artists paint in three twenty-minute rounds. Spectators play a vital role, voting for their favourite piece, bidding in a silent auction to take home the artwork, and even entering for a chance to join the competition themselves.
Though Art Battle Victoria will take place at Capital Ballroom in downtown Victoria, this is far from your average club night. Artists will paint on easels in the middle of the room while attendees circulate, drinks in hand. DJ Koji Hattori will keep the energy flowing throughout the evening.
While Art Battle is an international organization, each city’s event is tailored by local organizers. Victoria’s chapter has been running for more than a decade and is hosted by a femme- and queer-led team that prioritizes uplifting artists and building creative connections.
Nikki Frazer, who works on digital communication and photography for the competition, said the competitors are usually a mix of emerging and experienced artists, with strong student involvement in past years. Although applications to compete have closed, this event will include a “Wildcard Easel,” where any ticket holder can enter a draw at the venue for a chance to paint.
Frazer noted that while Victoria’s nightlife is vibrant, it can be hard to build community through it. The upcoming Art Battle, she said, aims to blend nightlife with connection — engaging people through art and shared experience. Recent events, she added, have sold out.
To keep the energy high, host Jag Jasman will bring his signature charisma to the stage. Jasman has competed in and judged many live hairstyling events, even and represented Canada internationally at them twice. Having long admired how hosts create welcoming and energetic environments, he saw stepping into this role at Art Battle as serendipitous.
He hopes to foster an inclusive, daring, and joyful atmosphere — complete with costume changes, commentary, and answers to audience art questions. Jasman takes hosting seriously, seeing it as a way to support artists taking the brave step of creating under pressure while cultivating a community built on encouragement.
“It’s a good responsibility. I’m excited about this responsibility. Not like laundry,” Jasman joked.
He emphasized the importance of student participation, calling the event an opportunity to learn, create professional connections, and get inspired. “Students are at a point of learning and questioning… they’re the future.”
While Art Battle shares the same goal as traditional art events — supporting and celebrating artists — Jasman said the live, timed format makes it uniquely thrilling. The pressure of the clock, he explained, creates an atmosphere where artists and audiences alike feed off each other’s excitement.
Happening near the end of October, this event is the perfect way to get into the creative and festive Halloween spirit. Attendees are invited to come with friends to join the art community, if only for a night, and witness a battle fought with brushes, not fists.
Organizers also have plans for smaller community events and painting workshops in the coming months. Follow Art Battle Victoria for updates and mark your calendar for the Art Battle Championship in June 2026.
The next Art Battle Victoria takes place Sunday, Oct. 26, at Capital Ballroom, 858 Yates St. Doors open at 7 p.m.
