Request for Expressions of Interest: Permanent Art Installation for Kitchener Central Transit Hub

Future Kitchener Central Transit Hub. Image: WZMH Architects

Public Art Opportunity: Kitchener Central Transit Hub

Submission Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5pm ET

Project Summary

The Region of Waterloo invites experienced and qualified Artists/Artist-led teams to submit an Expression of Interest for a significant, landmark art installation located at the future Kitchener Central Transit Hub (KCTH) in Kitchener, Ontario. The selected art proposal will respond to the theme of Convergence (see “Theme” below). The KCTH will be a bustling multi-modal transit hub housed within an architecturally beautiful building that welcomes visitors, engages the public, and supports transit users in our growing community. The new transit hub is a central connection point in the thriving downtown Kitchener area at the corner of King St. and Victoria St. The development will provide a key link for commuters, integrating local and provincial transit options including Grand River Transit (GRT) buses, ION Light Rail Transit (LRT), VIA Rail, and GO Transit as well as multi-use paths designed for both pedestrians and cyclists.

This Call for Artists will be carried out in two phases. Phase 1 will select the artist or artist team; we are not looking for specific proposals in this phase. Those selected for Phase 2 will be provided with a fee to develop a specific proposal for submission.

Location Specifications

The selected art installation will be situated in the atrium of the Kitchener Central Transit Hub. The atrium is a large, two storey, light-filled, interior space. It is enclosed by walls of transparent glazing on the south and west sides, which showcase broad views of the exterior plaza. The atrium features a glass walled elevator and two main staircases that lead up to the open second floor. The upper floor overlooks the atrium from the extensive balconies and provides views through the building. The height and openness of the atrium draw the eye upwards, giving a sense of light, air, and transparency.

This video fly-through was prepared during an earlier stage of the KCTH design. Although some aspects of the design have changed, the video can be viewed to provide a sense of the space.

Theme

Community consultation resulted in the selection of Convergence as the theme for the KCTH public art installation. The theme describes the unique history and future trajectory of this site in the Region of Waterloo. Artist applicants are invited to consider how their art installation will intersect the rich multi-cultural heritage of the past and present, industries of yesterday and tomorrow, and the unique natural areas and land formations such as the O:se Kenhionhata:tie watershed, the Mohawk name for the Grand River meaning Willow River due to the trees historically found on its banks. The Ojibwe name for the same river is Owaashtanong-ziibi, describing the river’s ability to wash away debris.

Eligibility

This Request for Expressions of Interest is open to experienced Artists or Artist-led teams with Canadian Citizenship, permanent Canadian Residence status, and Indigenous artists residing in or originating from the unceded territories now known as Canada. Artists with limited experience in large-scale, structural, and/or technical work who wish to apply are encouraged to do so in collaboration with a team who can support those aspects.

Interior views of the Transit Hub atrium. Image: WZMH Architects

Compensation

The awarded Artist/Artist-led team will have a budget of $550,000 (+HST), which will include all costs: artist fees, design and engineering consultation fees, materials, fabrication, travel, delivery of work to site, insurance, disbursements, tariffs, import duties, and any legal fees. The Region of Waterloo will assume the labour and associated costs of installing the artwork. There is no fee provided for Phase One Expressions of Interest. Artists/Artist-led teams that move onto Phase Two will receive a fee of $2,500 (+HST) for the successful completion of their submission requirements.

Selection Process

The selection process will occur in two phases. Phase 1 and Phase 2 applications will be reviewed by a selection committee that will consist of members of the Region’s Public Art Advisory Committee, other local arts professionals, individuals connected to the local area, municipal Councillors, and members of the design and construction team. Regional staff will be available during the selection process to advise on feasibility.

Phase 1: Expressions of Interest
Eligible artists will submit an Expression of Interest by Friday, May 15, 2026 at 5pm ET. The selection committee will review all eligible submissions, and shortlisted artists will be invited for Phase 2. Approximately five (5) artists/artist teams will be shortlisted.

Phase 2: Concept Development
Short-listed artists/teams will be provided with a list of submission requirements and will present their Phase 2 proposals to the selection committee. Community feedback on shortlisted proposals will be provided to the selection committee prior to the final jury meeting.

Exterior view of the KCTH plaza and hub. Image: WZMH Architects

Submission Requirements

Please review the full Request for Expressions of Interest guidelines before submitting the requirements below using the Kitchener Central Transit Hub Public Art Call submission form.

1. Statement of Interest: In 500 words or less, explain why this project is of interest to you. Describe how your artistic practice connects to or aligns with this project. Please provide details about your collaboration with design and construction teams, along with any other information that could help set you apart as a candidate for this project. Please do not submit a specific proposal for the commission at this time.

2. Experience and Qualifications (CVs and Visual Portfolio):

• Three-page (maximum) CV outlining applicable professional accomplishments. For team applications, include a three (3) page CV (maximum) for each team member and a cover letter that briefly explains each individual’s role. Please merge all team members’ files into one document.
• Up to 10 images of past work including details in a single document. These will be the main basis for evaluating the quality of your work. Under each image, include the following information: title, year produced, medium, dimensions, location, budget, and a brief description. Additionally, you may include up to two (2) links to videos embedded into this document.

3. Two (2) Letters of Reference connected to previous public art projects. Please ensure the letters include a contact name, title, organization, email address, and phone number.

How to Submit

• Please read the full Request for Expressions of Interest prior to submitting your documents.
• Upload your completed Phase 1 submission using this online form.
• Sign up for project updates, FAQs, and additional information by subscribing to the “Kitchener Central Transit Hub Public Art Call” e-Newsletter.

Submission Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026, at 5pm ET
Deadline for submitting questions to the email below: May 1, 2026

Accessibility:
If you require any accessibility accommodations to fulfill the Expression of Interest requirements, please email Cultural Services staff at CulturalServices@regionofwaterloo.ca.

For questions or comments, please contact:
The Region of Waterloo Cultural Services department at CulturalServices@regionofwaterloo.ca

Region of Waterloo
150 Frederick Street
Kitchener, ON N2G 4J3
www.regionofwaterloo.ca/KCTHart
CulturalServices@RegionofWaterloo.ca

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Image Descriptions:
1. An exterior view of the future Kitchener Central Transit Hub with neighbouring roadways and cityscape.
2. Four interior views of the spacious, airy, and natural light-filled atrium.
3. An exterior view of the future Kitchener Central Transit Hub plaza and main entrance.