NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGION COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
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Today, Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) and the Region of Waterloo announced grants totalling $747,000 to support the arts in Waterloo Region:
- $502,000 to 37 small and mid-sized arts organizations and arts initiatives at community organizations through funding provided by WRCF’s Arts Grants Fund and several Fundholders, as well as $100,000 from the Region of Waterloo
- $15,000 through WRCF’s Arts Grants Fund, as part of a collaboration with the City of Waterloo, that donated another $10,000 to provide a total of $25,000 to support individual artists in our region through the Microgrant Program facilitated by Pat the Dog Theatre Creation
- $230,000 to 36 individual artists and arts collectives, through funding provided by the Region of Waterloo
Overall, WRCF received 176 applications requesting more than $1.8 million in arts funding from local organizations, individual artists, and arts collectives. Projects spanned all categories of the arts including: theatre, visual arts, music, dance, film, video, multimedia, publishing, writing, performance, photography, pottery, and many more. Two volunteer committees, comprised of people from the arts community across Waterloo Region developed the granting guidelines and applications, reviewed applications using the criteria outlined in the guidelines, and recommended funding allocations for the Arts Grants Fund.
“Making funding recommendations that reflect the diversity of people across our region, and a wide range of arts disciplines, were priorities for WRCF and both committees reviewing arts applications,” said Eric Avner, President & CEO, Waterloo Region Community Foundation. “The projects selected achieved those goals – but many excellent projects did not receive funding because funding available was 40% of the total requested. Having a vibrant and supported arts community is an important component of creating and maintaining a region where people are connected and thriving, so WRCF is committed to continuing to work with partners across the region to explore options.”
“I am thrilled to see over $300,000 in Regional funding supporting artists and arts organizations of diverse disciplines, a testament to our commitment to vibrancy and creativity across Waterloo Region,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “As we grow to a community of 1 million residents, it is essential that everyone has access to arts and culture that enriches our lives, fosters meaningful connection, and nurtures a future where everyone can thrive.”
The lists of organizations, individual artists, and arts collectives that received funding are included below:
Organizations
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Note: Charitable organizations in brackets represent the fiscal partner working in partnership with the non-qualified donee.
Individual Artists and Arts Collectives
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For more information about WRCF’s Arts Grants Fund, contact [email protected]. For information about arts funding through the Region of Waterloo, contact [email protected].
Additional quotes:
“We are pleased to continue our on-going contribution to the Microgrant Program. This award-winning collaboration has provided a unique opportunity to support artists in our community and ignite the creation of new work. Perhaps the most successful part of the partnership is the achievement of the artists who have been part of the program, many of whom have gone on to present work both in our community and beyond.” -- Mayor Dorothy McCabe, City of Waterloo
“The Region of Waterloo arts funding will be instrumental in helping us amplify African cultural experiences through the AfroVibes Festival, allowing us to engage a broader audience, support local talent, and foster a deeper sense of community.” -- Peter Pearse-Elosia, AfroVibes Festival
"We are incredibly thankful to Waterloo Region Community Foundation for their generous support of the Historical Horse and Buggy Mural restoration through the Arts Grants Fund. This grant funds the additional costs of including and accommodating the original artist, Kae Drawehn, allowing her to contribute to the project from her home. Together with our resident artist, Keisha Thomas, this multigenerational collaboration honours the mural’s history and ensures its legacy continues to enrich our community for years to come." -- Amanda Palmer, The Village of St. Jacobs BIA
“The grant will support my upcoming installation which includes taking over the Square Peg space in DTK in early 2025, and turning it into a playful exhibition for kids and adults. The installation includes research and testing out new media and experimenting with different ways of working that are new to my practice.” -- Nicole Beno
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