Award winning artist named as the 2019 City of Waterloo Artist in Residence

The City of Waterloo is pleased to announce Paul McDonald as the 2019 Artist in Residence. This year’s residency will take place in the Northdale neighbourhood. McDonald’s residency will see the activation of Veterans’ Green and other municipally owned green spaces throughout the neighbourhood.

“We are pleased to offer this unique programing in the Northdale neighbourhood,” says Astero Kalogeropolous, manager of arts & culture for the City of Waterloo. “From July to October, residents, neighbours, students, community members and commuters will see the collaborative efforts of people working with Paul in Veterans’ Green.”

The residency will feature the development of a temporary large scale installation to celebrate the elements of the neighbourhood that make it unique. McDonald will be on hand in Veterans’ Green weekly from July to October. Members of the community are invited to meet with him at his weekly sessions to share thoughts and stories, as well as help create the art.

Northdale is located between Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo, in an area bounded by University Avenue West, Phillip Street, Columbia Street West, and King Street North. The Artist in Residence program animates public spaces and explores community stories by providing opportunities for the public to work with local artists in the creation of a community art project.

"I am excited about the opportunity to interact with participants throughout the summer,” says McDonald. “I look forward to connecting with students and other participants to help foster a sense of community through conversation and my work.”

McDonald’s first event will run on July 4 from noon to 8 p.m, in Veterans’ Green. For a full program schedule, visit waterloo.ca/arts&culture

About the artist:

Paul McDonald is the founding member of The Firm Collective, a public arts collective based out of Kitchener-Waterloo. In his work, McDonald uses graffiti to tell a personal narrative and explore stories of the community. His use of high contrast colours, designs, and themes speaks to a broad audience which he hopes to capture during his residency.  

Media contacts:

Shelly Reed
Communications consultant
519-747-8515
TTY: 1-866-786-3941
shelly.reed@waterloo.ca

Sonya Poweska
Culture program specialist
519-747-8769
TTY: 1-866-786-3941
sonya.poweska@waterloo.ca