Public Art Program
The Region of Waterloo Public Art Program (and Public Art Policy) was approved in 2002 following discussions during the construction of several major Regional buildings. Regional Council agreed that public art enhances the well-being of a community and also raises its cultural profile.
Public art considered for display:
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is responsive and embraces a variety of approaches, mediums, scales and voices;
- articulates the Region’s evolving identity by telling our stories and creating interruptions that open our eyes to new possibilities;
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actively promotes the role of art and artists in our community, by increasing the engagement, accessibility, and visibility of public art to all citizens
Public art does not include plaques, or museum or archival collections that may be displayed in public places from time to time.
Call for Indigenous Artists: Honouring These Lands and Waterways |
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This call is now open and accepting applications until November 8, 2024. For details on the submission requirements, please review the Region of Waterloo's Call for Submissions at YKF. The Region of Waterloo invites Indigenous artists from the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Urban Indigenous communities to submit proposals for a large scale, digitally printed mural to be displayed for a three-year term at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF). Artists may create a new image or use an image of an existing artwork responding to the theme of Honouring These Lands and Waterways. Waterloo Region International Airport (YKF) The Waterloo Region International Airport (YKF) is an international airport owned and operated by the Region of Waterloo. YKF is rapidly emerging as a growing aviation and aerospace hub, providing vital connections for the community and beyond. In 2023, over 445,000 passengers traveled through YKF, reflecting its significant role in the region's transportation network and economic development. The deadline to apply is November 8, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. The Regional Municipality of Waterloo has a responsibility to fulfill the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada Calls to Action. The creation of new Indigenous Public Art initiatives is a step toward addressing these important actions. The Honouring These Lands and Waterways initiative is in response to ongoing conversations between the Region and members of Six Nations of the Grand River, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the local Urban Indigenous community.
If you have questions or require accessibility accommodations, please contact culturalservices@regionofwaterloo.ca.
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How public art is selected and funded |
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The Public Art Advisory Committee appoints a jury to review proposals from the art community for a particular Regional site. Jury members assess proposals based on selection criteria determined by the Public Art Advisory Committee. A recommendation goes to Council for the approval of the public art selection and a payment from the Region's Public Art Reserve. Unanticipated maintenance of public art is financed by the facility where it is displayed. Routine costs for restoration or refurbishment are covered by the Public Art Reserve. |
| Public Art Advisory Committee |
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The Region's Public Art Advisory Committee was established to administer the Region's Public Art Program. The Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is a group of volunteers comprising:
Staff from Cultural Services, Legislative Services, Finance, and Facilities help to support the PAAC. Information on committee membership, agendas and minutes are available on the Committees page. |
Public art on display |
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The map below shows where Region of Waterloo public artwork is located. Extraordinary Spaces is a series of brochures produced in 2011, in partnership with Area Municipalities, that outline public art across Waterloo Region. These public art tours will take you through Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. To request an alternate format of these documents, call 519-575-4400 or for deaf and hard of hearing (TTY): 519-575-4608. For up to date information on the public art collections and cultural activities of Area Municipalities, visit the following websites for the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, and the townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot, Woolwich. |
ION public art |
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Dotted along the ION corridor, the collection of ION public art enhances the transit experience, while improving the cultural components of our community. GRT Cambridge Centre terminal: "Pin Art" by Ken Hall Fairway Station: "Arras" by Elana Zur and Lauren Judge Fairway Station: "Shaping Residency" by Stephen Cruise Block Line station: "Three Sisters" by Lindsey Lickers Mill Street Station: "Tall Tales of Mill Street" by Tara Cooper and Terry O'Neill Kitchener Market Station: "Because Cats Can't Fly" by Edwin and Veronica Dam De Nogales Grand River Hospital Station: "Spinal Column" by Sandra Dunn Research and Technology Station: "The Passenger" by Brandon Vickerd Pedestrian Barrier Enhancement, near the WPL McCormick Branch: "Fabric of Place" by Lilly Otasevic Conestoga Station: "Continuum" by Catherine Paleczny |
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Temporary Public Art Projects |
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In 2023, the Region's Public Art Program unveiled a two-year art loan project. After a public call for submissions and a jurying process, the following works created by local artists were installed at the Region of Waterloo International Airport:
The Region looks forward to continuing this program with new artwork by local professional artists rotating every two years. Learn more about the airport installations by visiting the Art at YKF webpage. |
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