Applications now open for 2027 Artist in Residence program

The City of Kitchener is inviting artists to apply for the 2027 Artist in Residence program. This program – the oldest of its kind in Canada – supports artistic innovation and excellence and encourages artists to develop their practice or interests as they engage and collaborate with the community. Each year, a new artist holds the position, showcasing the diversity of our region.  

The 2027 Artist in Residence program will bring an artist into the Lancaster West community to work with residents and explore what makes the neighbourhood unique. Through hands-on workshops and creative activities connected to the Lancaster West parks, residents will be invited to share stories, ideas and experiences related to community identity and sense of place. The artist will collect and document these themes through a variety of creative formats, such as writing, photography, artwork or digital media. The insights gathered during the residency will help shape a future public art project planned for the Lancaster West Park Network.  

This is a part-time, six-month position where the artist will have the flexibility to plan a time commitment that reflects the needs of their proposal.  Artists must live, work or have an ongoing connection or affiliation with Kitchener or Waterloo Region. The selected artist will have the opportunity to collaborate with the community and members of the local arts sector as they advance their artistic practice. The City encourages applications from all artists and highly encourages applications from individuals from equity-deserving groups. 

Interested artists have until 5:00 p.m. on December 3, 2026 to apply. Applications can be submitted through the City’s online form, email, in-person delivery or mail.  

The City will be holding two optional information sessions to answer questions about the 2027 residency. Sessions will be held at Kitchener City Hall, 200 King Street West, on: 

• Tuesday, October 20, noon to 1 p.m. 

The Conestoga Room on the ground floor of Kitchener City Hall 

• Thursday, November 12, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. 

The Schmalz Room, on the second floor of Kitchener City Hall 

No registration is required. Interested individuals only need to come to one session. You do not need to attend a session to submit a proposal. If you have any questions or require any accessible accommodation, please send us an email or call 519-783-8302.  

To learn more about the City’s Artist in Residence program, submission requirements and for any questions about the opportunity, visit www.kitchener.ca/AIRProposals.