‘Vibrant’ arts community, local artists set to receive $747K in grants

In a push to support the growing arts community, Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) and the Region of Waterloo have announced grants totalling $747,000 for various groups and local artists.

The funding is being split between 38 different organizations along with 36 individual artists and collectives throughout Waterloo Region.

Winning projects were selected by two volunteer committees, comprised of people across the arts community in the region, which had to decide from 176 total applications, requesting over $1.8 million in arts funding.

“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 President and CEO of Waterloo Region Community Foundation, Eric Avner. “The projects selected achieved those goals, but many excellent projects did not receive funding because funding available was 40 per cent of the total requested.”

The projects put forward for the grants ranged from various artistic areas, including theatre, visual arts, music, dance, film, video, multimedia, publishing, writing, performance, photography, pottery and more.

“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,” said Avner.

Small and mid-sized organizations will be splitting $502,000 in funding, $100,000 of which coming directly from the Region of Waterloo.

Some organizations set to receive funding include:

• K-W Symphony Orchestra
• Grand Philharmonic Choir
• Inter Arts Matrix
• Unwrap Theatre
• The Registry Theatre
• Galt Jazz
• Cambridge Symphony Orchestra
• Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
• And more…

Individual artists will be receiving a collective $230,000. Also, $25,000 will be given through WRCF’s Arts Grants Fund, in collaboration with the Region of Waterloo, through the Microgrant Program, facilitated by Pat the Dog Theatre Creation.

“As we grow to a community of one 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,” said Regional Chair, Karen Redman.

More information on the grants and the full list of winners can be found on WRCF’s website.