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Call for Expressions of Interest

Create Waterloo Musicians and Performers

 

The City of Waterloo is excited to invite musicians, bands, groups, performers, and collectives who reside in the Waterloo area to submit an expression of interest to participate in various free and family-friendly community events throughout the 2026 event season. This is a paid opportunity and we welcome artists from all musical genres to apply. 

Performance opportunities include:

  • Art Markets
    • Located in Waterloo Public Square from May to August, this event offers performers an intimate concert-style setting in the heart of uptown Waterloo.
  • July 1st Community Picnic
    • Located in Waterloo Park on July 1, this event features a large performance stage with additional technical support provided by Sherwood Music.

Selected performers will receive additional support, including:

  • Professional staging and sound equipment (when applicable)
  • Marketing support to highlight your performance
  • Assistance from City of Waterloo staff

 

Selection Process:

Submissions will be reviewed by City of Waterloo staff. Artists will be selected based on artistic merit and alignment with the goals of each event.

City of Waterloo recognizes historic, systemic, and physical barriers have affected access to opportunities and resources for many people. While this opportunity is open to all, priority will be given to racialized individuals including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, and/or people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+, newcomers, Deaf persons, persons with disabilities, and/or Francophone.

The City of Waterloo thanks all applicants. Only selected artists will be notified. 

 

Project Schedule:

Submission deadline: February 26, 2026 by 5 P.M. EST. 

Selection review and scheduling: March to April 2026

 

Additional reference materials:

City of Waterloo Culture Plan

 

All artists are encouraged to sign up to find out about more opportunities including other artist calls, workshops and professional development offerings, events, resources, and more by joining the Create Waterloo Artist Roster. To find out more, visit: www.waterloo.ca/artistroster 

 

 

Are you performing original music?
 
Including breaks, how long can you perform with the material that you currently have?
 
How did you hear about this opportunity?
 

Thank you for your interest in Create Waterloo programming. Please note, only selected artists will be contacted. 

To the extent that the foregoing information constitutes personal information as defined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, chapter M.56 as amended, the information is subject to provisions of that Act and will be used for the purposes of this Public Art call. Questions about the collection of personal information should be directed to the City Clerk, Waterloo City Centre, 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 4A8, telephone (519) 886-1550.