A non-profit community arts organization based in
Kitchener-Waterloo.
Upcoming Events
Goodlines
Tue Jan 14th 5:30pmGoodlines
Tue Jan 28th 5:30pmQT Open Mic
TBD!
"Having an open amphitheatre-esque space where art-based admissions can flow freely is incredibly enriching and heartwarming."
- Participant
Some of our posters from past events!
Founded in 2023, Excavator Arts Collective (Inc.) is a community arts non-profit org based in Waterloo. We are a small collective of artists, musicians, and people sharing what we love to do. Our goals are to challenge and subvert barriers that impede the accessibility and enjoyment of the arts, to prioritize the experience of people who are often left behind in community programming (including but not limited to queer, trans, neurodivergent, and disabled people), and to allow experimentation and play to guide our projects. In 2024, we officially incorporated as a non-profit organization!Fun Fact: "Excavators" are birds that excavate (dig out) a hole instead of constructing a nest. Excavation represents how our community must carve out spaces instead of only accepting what is available or offered.
We are very thankful to be supported and sponsored by Laurier Students' Public Interest Research Group as one of their Research and Action Groups. LSPIRG's work involves community care, mutual aid, political education, and activism by and for people in the Waterloo and Brantford Regions.Fun Fact: Our very first QT Open Mic back in 2019 was hosted and sponsored by LSPIRG!
Cam (he/him) is a musician, songwriter, and facilitator (not necessarily in that order) with a BMus in Community Music from Wilfrid Laurier University. He started writing songs when he was around 13 years old and has kept the practice up since then. Throughout the years he has written, produced, and released six EP’s and one album. His primary goals through his work with Excavators Co-op is in creating spaces that not only hold space for and appreciate intersecting identities, but also give the people who hold those identities something interesting to do while meeting people like (or unlike) them. Additionally, Cam is interested in helping others realize their goals from abstract ideas, as well as learning as much as he possibly can (ideally about everything all the time). Cam's music can be found here on Bandcamp.
Athena (they/she/he) is a musician and facilitator living in Waterloo. They hold a Bachelor of Music from Wilfrid Laurier University specializing in community music. Athena is particularly passionate about unconventional forms of engagement, and the ways art can influence interaction and wellbeing. Athena is currently in school, and enjoys birdwatching and video games in their spare time.
Daniel (he/they) is a largely self taught artist who believes in the power of passion and creativity.
Daniel leads Goodlines every other Tuesday.
The cities and towns in the Waterloo Region were built on the land of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe, and Attawondaron Nations. The Indigenous Peoples of this region are not gone. Here are just some Indigenous communities and organizations who are living, working, and thriving here:
O:se Kenhionhata:tie Land Back Camp - "A group of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer individuals reclaiming culture, space and land with settler allies." Recently opened Willow River Centre in downtown Kitchener!
Wisahkotewinowak - "An urban Indigenous garden collective in the Waterloo-Wellington region."
White Owl Native Ancestry Association - "An urban Indigenous community-based agency dedicated to culturally safe, wholistic practices and education, supporting well-being across generations."
KW Urban Native Wigwam Project - "A non-profit organization that [...] provides safe, secure, and affordable rent geared-to-income housing for Native people."
Healing of the Seven Generations - Supporting the community with therapeutic healing programs using traditional ceremonies and teachings.
Nadjiwan Kaandossiwin Gamik at WLU, Shatitsirótha’ at UW, and Be-Dah-Bin Gamik at Conestoga College.
Haudenosaunee Nations
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy (aka The Six Nations) are the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora nations. After the War of Independence in 1784, the Haudenosaunee were displaced from their land in the US. Through the Haldimand Treaty, the Crown gave land (the Haldimand Tract surrounding the Grand River) to the Haudenosaunee. Today, 95% of that land has been taken by the Crown. The remaining 5% near Brantford is home to the largest Haudenosaunee community in North America - Six Nations of the Grand River.
Anishnaabe Nations
The Anishnaabe Peoples consist of many nations including the Ojibwe, Odawa, Potawatomi, Algonquin, Mississauga, Chippewa, Cree, and others. In 1792, the Crown purchased three million acres from the Mississaugas of the Credit. This purchase (Treaty 3/Between The Lakes) was a huge amount of land for very small compensation, and the terms were so vague and undefined that they had to be renegotiated. The Crown built settlements that overwhelmed the Mississaugas with colonial disease. Around 1846, the Mississaugas relocated from Port Credit in Mississauga to the land Six Nations gifted them near Brantford.
Attawondaron Nations
The Huron Peoples called them Attawondaron, meaning "peoples of a slightly different language". The French called them Neutral because of their neutral relationships. The Attawondaron were intensely affected by colonial diseases in the mid-1600s, and any survivors were adopted into other nations. Because of colonization, little is known about the Attawondaron Peoples.
The Mohawk Institute Residential School was in operation near Brantford from 1831 to 1970, as well as twenty Day Schools, some of which operated until the 1990s. Woodland Cultural Centre offers a virtual tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School that can be booked here.
Goodlines
Goodlines is an inclusive and low-pressure sketching and art group! Bring your sketchbook or whatever art form you're currently working on, or try out some semi-structured activities and exercises. All art forms are welcome!
"The relaxed and forgiving meet-you-where-you're-at vibe takes the pressure off so it doesn't feel like a huge social excursion."
- Participant
What To Expect
When you arrive, you can choose a seat at the table. We usually start with a doodling warm-up, put on some music, and chat while we draw. You can try the activities we have prepped, or you can do your own thing. Nothing is mandatory. We might explore portraiture, still-life, abstract, or something else! If you prefer to work totally independently, you can create in the company of other creative people while listening to some chill tunes! People tend to drop-in and out at different times, and we usually wrap up around 8:00pm. Occasionally, we have Goodlines On The Go where we walk to Waterloo Park and make art outside!
Every other Tuesday at 5:30pm
Entry by donation (cash or etransfer)
Sketchbooks and art supplies provided
Masks encouraged
Why?
Originally, Goodlines was created to be a financially-accessible way to take drawing lessons. Over time, it's evolved into a way of making art for the sake of making art, and sharing and learning from others. We noticed that many of our friends wanted to make art but didn't have a reason to, so we created a reason to. We hope that coming to Goodlines helps you feel more comfortable and confident in your art-making abilities.
Artwork by Georgia, Ammarah, and Daniel.
QT Open Mic
QT Open Mic is a monthly open mic event centring queer, trans, LGBT+ performers! It's a light-hearted and cozy place to hang out, listen, and practice performing in a low-pressure environment. All are welcome!
"I love coming to QT because I don't get many opportunities to play music in a casual and collaborative setting."
- Participant
What To Expect
When you arrive, there will be about 30 minutes to mingle and have some food. When someone is performing, the space and time is theirs, so we ask that you respect that by giving them your attention and support. If you need to use the bathroom, the Sensory Room, or step outside, you may do so at any time or during the intermission! Feel free to bring anything you might need to feel comfortable such as a blanket, fidget toy, or something else.
Seasonally (once every 3-4 months)
Doors open at 5:30, 6pm start
Entry by donation (cash or etransfer)
Masks encouraged
Performing
We welcome any type of performance in any language including music, stand-up comedy, poetry, or something else! Performers sign up ahead of time using this Google form, but the order we perform in is very flexible. Our hosts will announce each performer as they come up and can help with set up or turning pages.You can perform for a maximum of 15 minutes. There will be a keyboard (88 key weighted with pedal), guitar, ukulele, and a music stand. The event is acoustic which means no microphones or amps. If your performance involves adult or graphic topics, please give a brief content warning. If you didn't sign up but still want to perform, you can! Near the end of the night, there will be jamming, group participation, and sing-a-longs!
Why?
In a time of much hate and violence towards queer and trans people, we want QT Open Mic to be a recurring and long-term gathering for queer people to feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. All are welcome - we don't check gay cards!QT Open Mic was born out of a need for low-sensory music events. We designed it to specifically accomodate people who take in a lot of sensory information. Performances are acoustic, the lighting is strategically considered, and attendees are asked not to wear strong scents. We also have a small Sensory Room for breaks. Instead of clapping applause, we snap.
The Space
Our events are hosted at The Visitor Information Centre located at 10 Father David Bauer Drive in Uptown Waterloo. Inside, there are folding chairs to sit on as well as large green plastic chairs. You're welcome to step outside for a break at any time, or use our Sensory Room! Feel free to bring anything else you need including a cushion, blanket, ear plugs, or something to fidget with. The space has heating, air conditioning, and public wifi.There are two bathrooms and they are gendered, but here's the thing... it doesn't matter! You can use whichever bathroom you want - if you go multiple times throughout the event, you can even switch up which one you use! Pee free, my friend!
Accessibility
The Visitor Centre has only one floor - the ground floor. The entrance is the white double doors underneath the long overhang. The doors are push-style (pushing inward to get in), and unfortunately there are no automatic door buttons. There are shallow ramps coming from the parking lot at either end of the building. There are two exits: one through the entrance described above, and one directly behind the seating area. Both will remain unlocked during the event. Both bathrooms have a large wheel-chair accessible stall. Service dogs are welcome. Please let us know if you need any accommodations and we'll do our best to help.
Parking / Transit
There is free two hour parking directly outside the building in a large lot. It's usually not busy so you should be able to find a spot fairly easily. If you're taking transit, there are several stops nearby.
• LRT Northbound → Waterloo Public Square Station (7 min walk)
• LRT Southbound → Willis Way Station (7 min walk)
• Bus 5 → Erb / Father David Bauer (2 min walk)
• Bus 7 → Waterloo Public Square Station (7 min walk)
• Bus 16 → Willis Way Station (7 min walk)
Want to Chat?
If you have any questions, suggestions, or worries, send us an email or an Instagram message! To receive (occasional) updates about our upcoming projects, sign up for our mailing list.
