Ontario Culture Days murals

We are looking for local artists to create new murals at 44 Gaukel to add to the variety of artwork featured in the space.

On this page:

1. About the project
2. Timeline and application criteria

About the project

Culture Days creations

We are adding new murals to 44 Gaukel in late summer and early fall 2026, adding to the variety of artwork features already around the facility. The murals will also be highlighted attractions during Kitchener’s Ontario Culture Days celebrations.

Waterloo Region-based artists can apply for either opportunity but cannot be selected for both. Each of the projects will use the same application form and decision-making process.

Multi-wall interior mural

The first and largest opportunity aims to refresh the second floor lobby area inside the building. An individual artist or small team will be commissioned to cover a series of older murals that occupy multiple 9-foot tall walls with widths ranging from 4 feet to 13 feet, allowing for various options. There is no predetermined theme or content, but the selected concept must fit a space that is used by performance arts groups, art instructors, workshop guests and other practitioners.

The total commission available to recreate this area is $7,000, which must include all artist fees and materials. Wall preparation will need to be completed by the successful applicant, as it will depend on the specific walls being painted; however no protective coating will be necessary. All work must be completed during the week of September 10 to 17, 2026.

An organized opportunity to see the walls in advance of the application deadline will be provided. Staff will also coordinate with the selected artist(s) to pre-approve a concept.

Exterior double door murals

Alongside the loading zone behind 44 Gaukel are three double doors that are not used for regular entry/exit. Two of these doors are pictured above. To add some colour and visual interest to this area, we are seeking three different artists to produce and paint three different designs. We also intend for each artist to complete their double door mural as part of a 44 Gaukel open house and Gaukel Block live entertainment event that will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

There are no predetermined themes or content requirements, but selected concepts must align with a facility used by a variety of visual, performing and multidisciplinary artists. Staff will also coordinate with the selected artists to pre-approve a concept.

A commission of $1,500 for labour and materials will be paid to each selected artist after completion.

Each double door is 8 feet tall by 6 feet wide, minus two 16 x 12 inch windows on each. The doors will be prepared in advance and a protective coated applied after murals are done. Painting dates can include Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, 2026 for background or outline work, but all top layers and finishing details must be created during the Ontario Culture Days event on Sunday, September 27 from 1 to 5 p.m.,  as the opportunity to see muralists painting live will be promoted to attendees.