Mid Island Performing Arts Festival Society
The Mid Island Performing Arts Festival Society (MIPAFS) is a Canadian nonprofit organization based in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Registered under Business Number 119279784RR0001, it operates the Upper Island Musical Festival, an annual competitive event promoting music, dance, and speech arts across Vancouver Island’s central and northern regions.

History
Founded in 1927 by Andrew Dunsmore, the society began as a local initiative to advance performing arts education through competition[1]. For over 90 years, it has organized festivals emphasizing artistic excellence and community participation, adhering to principles outlined by the Federation of Canadian Musical Festivals[5].

Mission and Activities
The society aims to foster growth in the performing arts by providing a platform for amateur and emerging artists to showcase their talents. Its annual festival includes adjudicated competitions, workshops, and performances across disciplines such as instrumental music, vocal performance, and dramatic arts[1][5]. The focus remains on cultivating a collaborative spirit, termed the “Festival spirit,” which prioritizes artistic development over rivalry[5].

Structure
Run by volunteers, MIPAFS operates as a non-profit entity, relying on community partnerships and donations to sustain its programs. The festival historically centered on Nanaimo but expanded to serve broader geographic areas, including the Upper Island region[1][5].

Legacy
As one of Vancouver Island’s longest-running arts organizations, the society has significantly influenced local cultural education, with many participants progressing to professional careers[1]. Its framework inspired later festivals, such as the Nanaimo International Jazz Festival, though MIPAFS remains distinct in its competitive focus[4][5].

[1] https://nanaimomusicfestival.com/about/ [2] https://nanaimojazzfest.ca/about/ [3] https://nanaimoblues.ca/about-us [4] https://www.nanaimobulletin.com/entertainment/nanaimo-association-creating-jazz-festival/ [5] http://nanaimomusicfestival.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/2018-UIMF-Programme-Web.pdf