Waterloo Region — The Region of Waterloo has awarded $265,000 in 2026 arts funding to local arts organizations, artists, and collectives. 

The Region of Waterloo Arts Funding program received more than 170 applications, representing nearly $2 million in funding requests from artists, collectives and arts organizations across Waterloo Region. Submissions reflected a wide range of artistic practices, including theatre, visual arts, music, dance, film, multimedia, writing, performance, and photography. 

“The Region of Waterloo’s ongoing commitment to investing in the arts strengthens our community and creates opportunities for artists and arts organizations to bring their ideas to life,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “We’re pleased to support such a diverse range of projects that will engage residents and contribute to a vibrant cultural landscape across Waterloo Region.” 

MT Space, the 2025–2027 administrator of the arts funding program, collaborated on the development of the program guidelines and application process. To support equitable and informed decision-making, the peer assessment jury included established and emerging artists from across Waterloo Region, reflecting the diverse ethnicities, artistic practices, and lived experiences represented in the applications. 

"Administering this process - seeing the volume of strong projects and innovative artists based in Waterloo Region - is such a rewarding experience.” said Pam Patel, Artistic Director of MT Space. “While this program continues to be quite competitive, it is promising to be part of the connections that are being made and the resources that are shared across this artistic community." 

The successful applicants were selected by a jury of local artists. After independently reviewing and scoring eligible applications, the jury met over four consecutive days to discuss the submissions and reach a final decision.

2026 Region of Waterloo Arts Funding Recipients 

Arts Organizations and Collectives 

• CAFKA – Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener + Area — $8,800 
• Freedom Marching Project — $8,680 
• GLA Theatre Company — $8,830 
• Grand River Flamenco Fest — $3,600 
• Mada Theatre for Arts and Growth — $8,350 
• Neruda Arts — $4,740 
• Open Ears Festival of Music and Sound — $6,390 
• Pinch Arts Company Inc. — $6,320 
• Quill Fine Arts — $8,360 
• Rhythm & Blues Cambridge — $6,930 
• Tara Arts Inc. — $7,050 
• The New Quarterly — $8,650 
• Waveform Collective — $1,360 

Artists 

• Aaron Francis — $8,500 
• Alana Decker — $8,180 
• Allison Dyjach — $7,820 
• Amy Neufeld — $2,350 
• Ayah Hamaoui — $8,100 
• Behnaz Fatemi Jahmani — $8,250 
• Catherine Mellinger — $6,110 
• Christa Wilson — $8,220 
• Dwight Storring — $6,290 
• Eekta Trienekens — $8,400 
• Emily Deibert — $8,380 
• haley sheppard — $760 
• Hannah Foulger — $8,850 
• Jasmin Amoako — $6,990 
• Josiane Saboia Gruber — $6,400 
• Juneyt Yetkiner — $6,090 
• Kate Kamo McHugh — $8,380 
• Kez Vicario-Robinson — $7,920 
• Olga Gryshchenko — $8,480 
• Paula Marilaf — $8,340 
• Raven Morand — $7,430 
• Sainab Galetto Aravena — $5,600 
• Samuel Dlugokecki — $7,620 
• Stephanie Florence — $5,580 
• Taras Rudyi — $7,900 

The Region of Waterloo Arts Funding grant program provides funding opportunities for artists, collectives, and arts organizations. For more information about eligibility, funding streams, and application details, please visit regionofwaterloo.ca/ROWartsfunding.

About MT Space 

Since 2004, MT Space has been committed to working with artists from Indigenous, immigrant, refugee, marginalized, and racialized communities. MT Space has grown from a company that produced one show each year into an organization that brings culturally and socially relevant work from across Canada and around the world to communities throughout Waterloo Region. 

MT Space challenges preconceptions of theatre by creating, producing, and presenting work that is accessible and affordable for low-income families while creating space for marginalized voices to be heard. mtspace.ca.

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