Bring art to your neighbourhood

Work with your neighbours and local artists to create community art projects through the Artists in Neighbourhoods program. 

Eligible projects can receive up to $5,000 in funding.


Applications are closed. Check back in fall 2026 for the next round.

On this page:

  1. Who can apply
  2. How to apply
  3. What projects fit this program
  4. How we review applications
  5. Program details and costs
  6. Contact us

Who can apply

You can apply if you are:

  • a group of 2 or more neighbours who live in the same Waterloo neighbourhood
  • a professional artist who lives or works in Waterloo Region

Neighbours and artists can apply on their own, but every approved project must include both.

Projects should be a team effort between artists and neighbours and open to other neighbours who want to participate.

City staff can help connect artists and neighbourhood groups.

How to apply

  1. Plan your idea. Think about the kind of art project you want to create in your neighbourhood.
  2. Connect with us. Email neighbourhoodart@waterloo.ca to talk about your idea.
  3. Submit your expression of interest. Check back early fall 2026 for the next round of applications.
  4. Create your project. Work together to bring your art to life.

Check back Fall 2026

What projects fit this program

Your project must:

  • include neighbours and a professional artist working together
  • take place in a Waterloo neighbourhood
  • be shared or performed in public
  • follow the City of Waterloo’s Public Art Policy (PDF)
  • have support from nearby neighbours
  • meet permit and bylaw requirements

Examples:

  • a community performance such as a play, dance, or poetry reading
  • a mural, sculpture, or visual art installation
  • a neighbourhood exhibit or art showcase
  • a creative sign or storytelling project
  • a shared project such as a cookbook or book of poems

Past Artists in Neighbourhood projects:

  • natural paint-making using local rocks and soil
  • fence-art mural celebrating community heritage and wildlife
  • woven sculpture made from local plant materials
  • mural on a park storage box

Not sure if your project fits the program? Email neighbourhoodart@waterloo.ca.

How we review applications

A committee reviews applications based on:

  • feasibility – can the project realistically be completed
  • artistic merit – is it creative and well planned
  • impact – how it benefits the community
  • connection – how it involves neighbours in the process

Program details and costs

Learn more about program details, costs and other funding options.

For this program, the City of Waterloo defines a professional artist or arts professional as someone who:

  • has developed skills through training or practice
  • is recognized by other artists in the same field
  • has shared or shown their work in public
  • gets paid for their art
  • continues to make new work

Artists must live in Waterloo Region.

Neighbourhoods are areas where people live. Neighbourhood boundaries can change over time and can be defined differently depending on each individual – some neighbourhoods have a specific name and boundaries, and others may be groups of neighbours residing in a certain area (like around a park). 

The following expenses are eligible to be funded through this program: 

  • artist fees 
  • materials and supplies 
  • equipment or technology rentals 
  • permit and insurance costs 
  • setup or event costs 
  • volunteer recognition 
  • printing 
  • costs associated with supporting collaboration between artist and neighbours (space rentals, food and beverage, etc.)

The following expenses are not eligible to be covered through this program: 

  • regular or ongoing work costs (like studio rent or admin fees)
  • buying equipment, tools, or training that have a personal benefit after the project ends – for example, a course, printing press, 3D printer or kiln (explore rental options for the project)
  • items bought before the project is approved
  • alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs

Download an example budget form (PDF).

Once your application is approved, we will help you bring your project to life.

City staff will help with permits, approvals, connecting artists and neighbours and offer support along the way.

Projects must be completed within 1 year of receiving final approval.

You can also apply for additional project funding:

You can’t receive another City of Waterloo grant for the same project.

If your idea doesn’t fit this program, consider applying for the Neighbourhood Fund.

Contact us

Email: neighbourhoodart@waterloo.ca with questions about the Artists in Neighbourhoods program.

Neighbourhoods street sign graphic that says strong and connected

Need help from the Neighbourhoods Team?

Email neighbourhoods@waterloo.ca