Kitchener appoints two new arts leaders to help local artists and events

Carin Lowerison will manage the city's arts and entertainment venues and launch a ticketing platform called Kitchener Live, while Will Muir is Kitchener's new music officer focused on showcasing local musicians and festival opportunities.

Kitchener has appointed two new arts leaders to support local talent and expand event opportunities across the city. Carin Lowerison, co-founder of Green Light Arts, will serve as manager of arts and entertainment venues and is preparing a ticketing and support platform called Kitchener Live. Will Muir, who has worked previously at Centre in the Square in senior roles and started his own recording studio, is the city's new music officer and intends to help musicians launch and grow their careers. Both say they are in the early stages of these roles and want to build infrastructure and pathways for artists as the city grows. Key facts: - Carin Lowerison will manage city entertainment venues including spaces at city hall, the Victoria Park Pavilion and the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts. - Lowerison is launching Kitchener Live, a city-supported online ticketing and event support platform described as a way for artists and promoters to reach larger audiences; no exact launch date has been given beyond “soon.” - Will Muir is the new music officer and plans to increase opportunities for local musicians to perform at festivals and city stages. - Muir highlighted layering local artists into larger festival bills to raise their profile and cited the career of George Seara as an example of someone who began in Kitchener and later won national recognition. - Both leaders said promoting arts and events can create jobs, draw crowds to downtown businesses, and contribute to local quality of life. Summary: The appointments are intended to increase audience access to local art and create clearer pathways for artists to grow, particularly through city venues and festival programming. Kitchener Live is expected to provide ticketing and promotional support for events and is due to launch soon, while venue management and programming are being developed. City leaders describe potential economic and community benefits tied to stronger arts activity. Specific timelines and program details remain undetermined at this time.