A non-profit community arts organization based in
Kitchener-Waterloo.
Upcoming Events
AGM
Tue Aug 26th 5:30pmQT Open Mic
Sat Aug 30th 5:30pm
"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.