Public Art Program
The Region of Waterloo Public Art Program 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. The program is guided by the Region's Public Art Policy.
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.
Langs Drive Redevelopment Public Art - in progress |
The Call for Artists deadline was March 31st, 2025 and the application portal is now closed. The process for selecting a permanent artwork for Langs Drive is currently in progress. |
Honouring These Lands and Waterways: Murals by Indigenous Artists at YKF |
For immediate release January 20, 2025 Honouring Indigenous Art and Culture at the Region of Waterloo International AirportWaterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo is pleased to announce the selected artists for a new initiative to celebrate Indigenous art and culture at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF). This project, developed in relationship with the Six Nations of the Grand River, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and urban Indigenous communities in the region, is a significant step in recognizing and honouring Indigenous cultures and histories through public art at the airport. As part of this initiative, three murals by Indigenous artists will be displayed in the Domestic Arrivals Building at YKF. The murals, under the theme "Honouring These Lands and Waterways," will reflect the rich cultural heritage, resilience, and diverse voices of Indigenous peoples. The three artists selected for this project include Jeannette Ladd, an Anishinaabe artist from Saugeen First Nation, Judy Ross Mack, an Urban Indigenous artist of Swampy Cree heritage from Weenusk First Nation, and Cheyenne Ricard, a Haudenosaunee artist of Mohawk and Tuscarora descent. Their work was chosen through a jury process led by community members, ensuring that the selected artists reflect the diverse cultural perspectives of their respective communities. “We are honoured to support this initiative that not only provides a platform for Indigenous artists but also ensures that Indigenous culture is recognized and celebrated in our community,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “By collaborating with First Nations and Indigenous artists, we are taking meaningful steps toward reconciliation and fostering understanding among all who pass through YKF.” In addition to these murals, the airport is introducing an Indigenous languages greeting wall in YKF’s Domestic Arrivals area. Featuring greetings in various Indigenous languages, this initiative highlights the cultural significance of Indigenous languages to encourage awareness and learning among visitors. Paula Whitlow, director of Truth and Reconciliation for the Region of Waterloo, shares, “Having these projects at the airport is important. It’s a place where many residents and travelers pass through, giving us a chance to share and honor the history, culture, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. This is a meaningful way to answer the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and encourage learning, reflection, and respect.” In 2025, the Airport will celebrate its 75th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history as a vital transportation hub for the Region of Waterloo. While acknowledging this important milestone, the Region remains mindful of the thousands of years of Indigenous presence and the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples to the area. The public art pieces will be installed in the coming months, with completion expected by Spring 2025. On completion, the Region will share more information on how to experience these meaningful works of art.
Quotes from the Artists:
For more information about Public Art at the Region of Waterloo International Airport, visit: www.waterlooairport.ca/art/
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How public art is selected and funded |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Temporary Public Art Projects |
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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