WHO WE ARE 

Through thoughtful and engaging programs the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KW|AG) connects people and ideas through art. The Gallery's exhibitions and programs are built on the mission that art is the catalyst for shared experience, dialogue and imagination. KW|AG is a registered charitable organization and is open free of charge to the public seven days a week, and prior to most performances at Centre In The Square. 

THE GALLERY 

The Gallery emphasizes contemporary art, often premiering works by Canadian and international artists. Exhibitions frequently draw upon selections from the 4,000-work Permanent Collection to provide a forum for dialogue. The Gallery receives approximately 40,000 visitors annually, including 6,500 students through school tours and workshops.

OUR HISTORY 

Established in 1956 and located within Centre In The Square performing arts venue,KW|AG is the oldest, largest collecting public art gallery in Waterloo Region, with a national reputation for innovation and excellence. From its humble beginnings in a bicycle shed beside KW Collegiate, to a church meeting hall on Benton Street, to the Gallery's present purpose-built accommodation, the Gallery is setting a new direction for the visual arts in Waterloo Region and beyond.

OUR ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY 

KW|AG maximizes connections among people, artists and through the community, to explore the world of diverse ideas and creativity. Our cross-disciplinary projects reflect, reveal, inspire and celebrate the capacity of the community. We believe that art is about sharing human imagination and experience and we continue to nurture that process. 

WHAT KW|AG NEEDS 

The Gallery receives many requests from community groups who would like to have the benefit of KW|AG’s expertise and top-quality programming at their events. Support for this campaign would enable us to say “yes” to more of these community groups, to bring creative experiences to more members of the community and to connect with a wider audience. 

At the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery (KW|AG) we have many excellent exhibitions and programs, which take place at the Gallery. Our off-site events allow us to go beyond the Gallery walls to build an even stronger connection within our community. At these events, people in the community get a chance to experience hands-on art-making, explore their own creativity, share their ideas and results with others, and inspire additional art-making for themselves and their family members after the event. 

WHAT YOU GET 

OUR OFF-SITE EVENT ACTIVITIES 

Our off-site art activities are designed for children and their families or caregivers. Through these events, we reach audiences who may not be familiar with the Gallery, or who may not know that admission to the Gallery is free, accessible and it is truly their public gallery. We serve all ages and a diverse range of people, reflecting the community as a whole. Because our off-site programming is free, there are no barriers to participation.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT 

By supporting the Hit the Streets campaign, you will receive a few exclusive perks. These perks offered by KW|AG are our way of saying thank-you and giving you a chance to explore art in ways that you might have been unable to before. From your own personal DIY art activity, to a year's worth of invites to Curator's Circle programming, we are more than excited to have you join us in exploring the world of art!

THE IMPACT 

Currently, KW|AG attends four to six events every summer. With your help, KW|AG sees the potential in doubling the number of events that we are able to attend. By supporting KW|AG we will be able to attend more off-site events and deliver our expertise in delivering art education. The Hit the Streets campaign could potentially allow us to connect with twice as many people in the community. 

RISKS & CHALLENGES 

This crowdfunding project is a first for the Gallery. As a pilot project it allows us to explore new ways to reach people, investigate the use of the technology and experiment with a new way to raise much-needed funds for a very worthwhile initiative. With a national reputation of innovation and excellence, the Gallery sees this campaign as a wonderful opportunity to continue our growth as a nonprofit organization.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

KW|AG would not be the Gallery it is today without its very supportive community. For this campaign specifically, the Gallery was lucky to have the support from the professional videographer, Dan Mcleod. Dan Mcleod has graciously donated his time and amazing talent in helping KW|AG make this campaign come to life.  Dan has explained to us why he has a connection with this campaign, and why he feels art is important for children. 

"Programs like this give kids the support and self esteem from a source that is invaluable. Many of us (the lucky ones I suppose) assume that our parents support our projects - whatever we try, they will at least pretend to like it. To have an outsider, an objective voice tell us that we are indeed capable of our dreams, especially as children, is something that can have unforeseen benefits towards the path in life that we will lead".  - Dan Mcleod, CEO ESTEEMEDia

Spreading the word about the Hit the Streets campaign is important. KW|AG has the campaign video available on all of our social media pages. In order for this campaign to be a success, we need your help spreading the word and helping the Gallery, hit the streets! To spread the word on social media about our campaign, be sure to include #kwagHitTheStreets.

The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery greatly appreciates your support and we look forward to seeing you out in the community!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KW|AG

WEBSITE: www.kwag.on.ca

EDUCATIONAL BLOG: www.propelart.com

YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/kwagadmin

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/kwartgallery

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/kwartgallerypage