Call for Expressions of Interest
Trail Mix and Uptown Tunes
The City of Waterloo invites local musicians, bands, and spoken-word artists to submit expressions of interest to participate in the Trail Mix and Uptown Tunes Program.
Launched in 2020, this initiative connects the community with local talent while encouraging residents to enjoy the outdoors. QR-coded signs are placed along Waterloo trails that link listeners directly to original music and spoken-word pieces by local artists. This program offers residents a unique way to bring art into their daily lives while helping artists reach new audiences within their own community.
Artists are invited to submit one original track to the Trail Mix and Uptown Tunes Program. Those selected will receive $50 for the use of their track for a one-year period. Submissions are welcome from artists of all genres.
The Trail Mix and Uptown Tunes Program currently feature over 40 tracks by a diverse range of local artists and runs along the Forwell Trail, Walter Bean/Grey Silo Trail, Spur Line/Laurel Trail, and Waterloo Public Square.
Submission Requirements:
Musicians, bands, and spoken-word artists residing in the Waterloo area are invited to participate in the Trail Mix and Uptown Tunes Program. Artists may submit one track per band/group/collective.
Artists will be responsible for:
- Providing the City of Waterloo with a high-quality version of the track;
- Ensuring that songs/poems/pieces provided are original which the artist has full rights and ownership over;
- Ensuring that all songs/poems/pieces (including language and subject matter) are appropriate for public consumption and do not stereotype or promote views and ideas which are likely to promote discrimination, contempt or hatred for any person on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, colour, citizenship, religion, age, sex, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, political affiliation, receipt of public assistance or level of literacy.
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 the program. Only selected artists will be notified once the application deadline has closed.
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.
Project Schedule:
- Deadline to submit: April 30, 2026 by 5 p.m. EST.
- Selection review & artist agreements: May 2026
- Playlists updated: June 2026
Artist Fee:
The City of Waterloo will pay an artist fee of $50.00 per track payable to the artist as listed in the artist agreement. A cheque will be issued within 30 days after signing the agreement.
Additional reference materials:
All artists are encouraged to find out about more opportunities including artist calls, workshops and professional development offerings, events, and more by joining the Artist Roster or by following Create Waterloo on Instagram and Facebook.
