As a nationally-acclaimed home for the creation and experience of contemporary art, the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery fills a critical role in Waterloo Region’s cultural ecosystem by connecting people and ideas through a challenging and accessible exhibition program. Due to the requirements of funding agencies and in order to be working well in advance with a small team, the Curatorial Department programs our exhibitions two to three years in advance. The curator(s) conduct research on local, national and international artists on an ongoing basis.
As a result, KWAG does not accept unsolicited exhibition proposals. We do, however, accept informational update packages and portfolios of recent or upcoming activity from artists, curators, collectives and groups as part of our ongoing research. Any updates will be filed and referenced by curatorial staff with great interest as we appreciate being made aware of all contemporary practices. Due to the volume of materials that we receive, we may not be able to respond to all update packages that are submitted, or responses may be significantly delayed.
As outlined in Pillar 1 of our Strategic Plan, KWAG is a non-discriminatory organization that upholds the fundamental principles of equality, inclusivity, accessibility, freedom of expression and open engagement. We promote the participation of our culturally diverse population within the Gallery and community, and welcome exhibition proposals from individuals and groups that are historically on the margins or are traditionally under-represented in cultural institutions.
If you are interested in submitting an exhibition proposal, please provide the following information in a single PDF document:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement describing your practice, including statement of interest re: KWAG, if applicable
- Samples of work must be labelled with your name, title of the work, date(s) of production, medium and dimensions
- For images, include up to 15 JPGs or a link to view on an external site
- For video and/or audio, provide links for viewing up to 10 minutes of material such as artist website, Vimeo or YouTube and include passwords if required
- Feel free to include other related materials such as recent publications or reviews
Submit information to the Curatorial Department:
Email (preferred):
Darryn Doull, Curator
ddoull@kwag.on.ca
Mailing Address:
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
Re: Exhibition Proposal - Curatorial Department
101 Queen Street North
Kitchener, ON N2H 6P7
Please note: If you are mailing an exhibition proposal and would like your materials returned after review, you must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE). If no SASE is provided your materials will either be kept on file or otherwise discarded. KWAG is not liable for the contents of mailed submissions. Please allow up to six months for your materials to be returned.
KWAG is committed to inclusivity and accessibility and can provide alternative arrangements if required or requested.
OAC Exhibition Assistance Program
We are no longer accepting submissions for 2025. Check back here for information regarding 2026 applications.
Each year the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery serves as a third-party recommender organization for the Ontario Arts Council: Exhibition Assistance Program. This program provides grants of $500 to $2,000 to assist individual artists and collectives with costs related to presenting their work in an exhibition at any venue.
Artists who are based in the Waterloo Region and surrounding areas (defined by the OAC as Zone 2) are eligible to submit a funding request for KWAG's consideration through Nova, the OAC’s online application portal. Please note that paper and/or digital applications sent directly to KWAG will no longer be accepted.
KWAG assesses applications on an ongoing basis until our allocated funds have been depleted. Since requests often exceed the funds available through this program, we recommend that artists apply as early as possible within the application timeframe.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
When reading applications, review the following criteria for eligibility (detailed version of this list in the Exhibition Assistance Manual, page 11):
- Zone (for zone-based recommenders)
- Exhibition venue
- Exhibition dates
- Eligibility of expenses
- Letter of confirmation (check venue, dates)
- Applicant student status
- Conflict of interest
To learn more about the process, visit the OAC website. For the Exhibition Assistance Quicksheet and Key Dates, click here.
For specific application inquiries, contact Darryn Doull at ddoull@kwag.on.ca
1) Installation view, SOS: A Story of Survival, Part II – The Body, Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, 26 August 2023 – 7 January 2024. Photo courtesy of KWAG, by LF Documentation.
2) Installation view, Emily Pelstring: The Passion of the Hedge-Rider, at the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, 24 Sept. 2022 – 8 Jan. 2023. Photo courtesy of KWAG, by Toni Hafkenscheid.
