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. 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.
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.
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.
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.