Bring art to your neighbourhood

Neighbours and local artists can work together to create community art projects through the Artists in Neighbourhoods program. 

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


Submit an expression of interest by October 19. Applicants will be notified within 30 days of the deadline if they are selected to submit a final application. 

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 involve collaborative community art between artists and neighbours and be open to any 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. Apply by October 19. 
  4. Prepare your final application. Eligible expression of interests will be asked to submit a final project application with more detailed plans.  
  5. Create your project. Work together to bring your art to life.

Submit an Expression of Interest

What projects fit this program

Projects must:

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 Neighbourhoods 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
  • banner with a collection of community art submissions 
  • quilt with neighbourhood cyanotype squares

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 happen with the outlined materials, time, location, and resources
  • artistic merit – does it require the skills of an artist to plan and complete 
  • impact on the community – how will it support positive neighbourhood impacts and meaningful connections 
  • community involvement –  how the art connects to the neighbourhood and encourages collaboration with the artist and neighbours 

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:

  • is active in creating original works of art
  • is guided by a creative vision or practice
  • has demonstrated experience, training, cultural knowledge, lived experience, or community-based artistic traditions
  • 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 or promotional materials
  • costs supporting collaboration between artist and neighbours (space rentals, food, 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).

Only those selected will move on to the final application stage based on submitted expression of interest forms. 

If your final application is approved, we will help you bring your project to life. City staff will offer support along the way for permits, approvals, and connecting artists and neighbours. 

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

Looking for additional funding? Other grant ideas include:

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

If your idea doesn’t fit this program and you are a group of neighbours, 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