FOR EXHIBITIONS IN THE GALLERY AND CAFE IN 2026
Artists and curators are invited to propose exhibitions for the Waterloo Arts Gallery’s 2026 schedule. Proposals are accepted or denied based on the review of the Waterloo Arts Gallery Committee in consultation with the Gallery Coordinator.
THE GALLERY COMMITTEE PRIORITIZES:
- Strength of portfolio, including clarity of exhibition proposal
- Exhibition proposals which feature artworks or creative projects that have not been formally exhibited before
- Ability to utilize the full gallery space
- The potential for cultural impact and community engagement
Artists/Curators are welcome to submit proposals for group or individual exhibitions.
EXHIBITION DATES:
If accepted, proposals will be awarded for one of the following slots:
January 2 – February 14, 2026
April 3 – May 16, 2026
June 5 – July 18, 2026
August 7 – September 19, 2026
October 2 – November 14, 2026
WHAT TO EXPECT:
All exhibition proposals, unless specified in their application, will be considered to exhibit in either the gallery or the cafe space of Waterloo Arts. In order to give as many opportunities to exhibit as possible, Waterloo Arts often pairs 2-4 artists together for each exhibition.
Artists/curators are expected to give a casual artist talk during the opening reception of their exhibition at 7:30PM. A member of the Waterloo Arts team will prepare a short introduction before the artist/curator gives the artist talk. No presentation components are necessary beyond what artists/curators would like to verbally share about their practice, work, and artistic journey.
In addition, Waterloo Arts asks that artists/curators propose an additional community engagement activity, beyond the opening reception, that pairs well with their artwork. This could relate to the content or medium of the work, but should give visitors an additional opportunity to learn more about the artist(s) and their practice. While the engagement activity is optional for artists/curators exhibiting in the cafe, it is mandatory for artists/curators exhibiting in the gallery.
Examples of engagement activities from past exhibitions include:
- Two artists created a collaborative screen print which they printed for visitors during their opening reception
- Poetry night in the adjacent cafe space for an exhibition on a mobile home park with the poetry theme of “home”
- Gender-ambiguous clothing swap held by artist during an exhibition about trans experience
- Three artists who were exhibiting their own still life paintings/prints set up a still life composition in the center of the gallery and hosted community drawing sessions.
Waterloo Arts staff are happy to work with the artists to assist with programming and promoting the community engagement activity. Additional funds for supplies are available if necessary. Multiple areas of the building are available for use: a performance space (black box theater), working studio space, café/gallery, and outdoor space.
STIPEND:
Each proposal selected to exhibit in either the main gallery or cafe will receive a stipend of $150 to help offset expenses associated with the exhibition. Waterloo Arts owns an apartment which can be made available for traveling artists/curators upon request.
Exhibiting artists are encouraged to sell their work while on view at Waterloo Arts if they wish. Please note that Waterloo Arts takes a 30% commission on all art sales.
To submit a proposal for consideration, please complete the form below. Email imani@waterlooarts.org with any questions.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 12, 2025
NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE/DENIAL: June 30, 2025
