Arts, Culture and Heritage
The Region of Waterloo recognizes the important role that arts, culture and heritage play enriching the lives of residents and attracting talent and visitors to Waterloo Region.
Public Art Programs
| Public Art |
| Public art enhances the positive perception of a community and raises its cultural profile. Visit the Public Art Program page for information on public art in Waterloo Region and upcoming projects. |
| Tourism and Events |
| Whether you're a visitor or resident of Waterloo Region, there's plenty to see and do year-round. Our region provides the perfect balance between new and old, rural and urban, nature and technology, classical and contemporary, tranquillity and adventure. Visit Explore Waterloo Region, the region's tourism site, to get information on events, places to stay and eat, and things to see and do. |
| Doors Open Waterloo Region |
| On the third Saturday of every September, you're invited to tour noteworthy buildings, interesting places and heritage sites in Waterloo Region, many of which are not regularly open to the public. Visit the Doors Open Waterloo Region page for details. |
Funding and Grants for Arts, Culture and Heritage
| Region of Waterloo Arts Funding |
| The 2025 Region of Waterloo Arts Funding grant will award $265,000 to support artistic projects within our community. This funding aims to benefit individual artists, collectives, and arts organizations that contribute to the vibrant culture of Waterloo Region.
The Region of Waterloo Arts Funding grant will reopen in March of 2026. Following a request for proposals process in the fall of 2025, MT Space was selected as the administrative partner for arts funding from 2025 to 2027. Questions? Please review our FAQs and Region of Waterloo Arts Funding info sessions Q&A. For additional details, please review the Region of Waterloo Arts Funding guidelines. Supportive Documents: Artists and Collectives Final Report Form Region of Waterloo logo - black text |
| Investment in Key Cultural Institutions |
| The Region of Waterloo and area municipalities of Kitchener and Waterloo provide financial support to Key Cultural Institutions that are recognized as unique and intrinsic to the cultural infrastructure of the greater region. The artistic and cultural programming they present and the facilities that they manage contribute to the artistic, social and economic vitality of the region. This program provides stipulated operating assistance, in the form of a stable funding base to enhance the ability of key cultural institutions to produce, perform or present artistic works and cultural programming and to manage their facilities for the benefit of the people of the region. |
| Major Arts and Culture Organizations Grant Program |
| The grant program aims to support the vibrancy and resiliency of Arts and Culture Organizations with artistic and cultural programming presented in public facilities, contributing to the artistic, social and economic vitality of the region. This support ensures the stability, accessibility, and accountability of their programs for the benefit of our growing and evolving community.
This program supports the Region of Waterloo in its strategic objective to support the arts, culture and heritage sectors to enrich the lives of residents and attract visitors to Waterloo Region. This grant program has been modelled on the Key Cultural Institutions guidelines, with alterations to the For more information, please visit the Major Arts and Culture Organizations Grant Program guidelines. Eligible cultural organizations in Waterloo Region are encouraged to apply by downloading and completing the Major Arts and Culture Organizations Grant Program application form. Please note this application is closed until May 2026. Questions? Email Cultural Services. |
| Cultural Drivers of Tourism Incentive Program |
| This incentive program aims to develop Waterloo Region's cultural assets that create local distinctiveness to increase comparative advantages in an increasingly competitive tourism marketplace.
The grant provides one-time funding to arts, cultural and heritage organizations in recognition of their role in attracting and extending tourist stays to Waterloo Region. Funding to eligible organizations is based on the number of tourists attending eligible public programs and events in Waterloo Region. The budget for this program is set annually by Council. For more information, please visit the Cultural Drivers of Tourism Incentive Program guidelines. Eligible cultural organizations in Waterloo Region are encouraged to apply by downloading and completing the Cultural Drivers Worksheet and the Cultural Drivers of Tourism Incentive Program application form. Please note this application is closed until June 2026. Questions? Email Cultural Services. |
Region of Waterloo Museums and Archives
| Region of Waterloo Archives |
The Region of Waterloo Archives is a research centre for Waterloo Region. The Archives preserves and provides access to the archives of the:
The Archives is a public space. Records are kept in a secure vault, yet are accessible to citizens. Visit the Region of Waterloo Archives for more information. |
| Region of Waterloo Museums |
| As centres of discovery, the Region of Waterloo museums are essential to understanding our place in the world - past, present and future.
Visit a site below for details on facilities, events, hours of operation and more: |
Heritage Conservation
| Heritage Conservation Toolbox |
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The Heritage Conservation Toolbox is your source for information, policies and guidelines related to cultural heritage resource conservation in Waterloo Region. In it you'll find information on:
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| Heritage Bridges |
| The Region of Waterloo has unveiled plaques across Waterloo Region to commemorate many of our most significant historic bridges. Bridges play an important role that goes beyond their obvious transportation function. The best of them become familiar and distinctive landmarks that contribute to a strong sense of place and help to tell the story of our communities. Find out more about our heritage bridges by visiting the Heritage Bridge Recognition Program page. |
| Historic Countryside Tours |
| This package of four tours, one for each township in Waterloo Region, includes a variety of historic and scenic attractions. They're great for cyclists, hikers, day trippers, heritage enthusiasts, local residents and visitors. |
| Heritage Planning Advisory Committee |
| The Heritage Planning Advisory Committee advises the Region on heritage policies, issues and strategies. It also develops resources and hosts workshops about various aspects of heritage conservation. |
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Waterloo Region Heritage Foundation |
| The Waterloo Region Heritage Foundation offers funding for investment in heritage-related initiatives through an annual per capita allocation from the Region of Waterloo. Grants are available for projects/events, buildings and publications. |
Resources
| News Updates |
| Sign up for the local cultural heritage information update. Provide your contact information and select the Local Cultural Heritage Information category. |
| Cultural Services Photo and Video Consent Form |
| Please complete the photo or video consent form if requested. |
| UW Fine Arts Partnership Supportive Documents |
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