About Inter Arts Matrix (IAM)

Who We Are

Inter Arts Matrix (IAM) is the sole interdisciplinary arts organization in the Region of Waterloo that fosters the incubation, development, and production of experimental artistic work.

What We Do

IAM's mandate is to educate and increase the public's understanding and appreciation of interdisciplinary art forms, to assist artists in developing interdisciplinary art and disseminating it to the public, and to provide programs promoting inclusive and collaborative interdisciplinary art opportunities. IAM has developed and produced plays, exhibitions with interactive elements, new music projects, interdisciplinary performances, and durational performance projects with audience participation. Sheila McMath, the Artistic Director and Curator, is committed to fostering the development of artistic collaborations across the visual arts, performing arts, and media spectrums through mentorships, workshops, panels, artist talks, and presentations. IAM recognizes the challenges involved in being an artist outside of a metropolitan city and seeks to foster inclusive community and provide meaningful opportunities for both emerging and established artists in Waterloo Region. 

Our History

IAM was founded in 2007 by the theatre & opera director Anne-Marie Donovan. In 2014, after Anne-Marie's seven successful years with the organization, Isabella Stefanescu, a painter, media artist, writer, and producer, became the next Artistic Director. In 2019, Sheila McMath, a visual artist and curator, joined IAM as the Associate Artistic Director, and became the Artistic Director in 2020. 

Why Our Community Needs your Suport

Due to unprecedented cuts in public arts funding, arts organizations across Ontario — including ours — are at a crossroads:

1) Ontario Arts Council funding has dropped 23% since 2019, while inflation has risen over 17%, resulting in an estimated 40% funding gap.

2) The Region of Waterloo Arts Fund has been inoperable for two years due to legal issues, eliminating vital local support.

3) IAM currently relies on municipal funding for 60% of our operational budget — the rest must come from increasingly competitive and shrinking grants.

This is the first time in IAM’s history that we’re actively seeking sponsorship. We’re doing so not out of weakness, but with a clear and ambitious vision to help our arts community rise above this crisis — and we hope you’ll join us.

Your Support

IAM is working to drive inclusive economic opportunity for underrepresented groups in the Region of Waterloo, while working to implement sustainable financial solutions in economically precarious times. The artists we work with and mentor often develop long-lasting impacts in Canadian culture and work internationally. IAM seeks to celebrate diversity and culturally significant work that matters to the diverse populations of the Region of Waterloo, but on a broader extent to the international community. We believe that artwork inspires the next generation and fosters cohesion during times of global upheaval and political turmoil. IAM wants to build a better world full of inspiration and inclusivity with support from your donation.