Music office

Performer at the Kitchener Market

Building on Kitchener’s vibrant musical heritage, the Kitchener Music Office is dedicated to fostering the infrastructure and opportunities needed for a thriving musical future. Home to a diverse and talented community of artists whose work resonates locally and globally, Kitchener continues to grow as a hub for musical innovation and creativity. 

Through our Film and Music Office, we support the development of local musicians and strengthen the city’s dynamic music scene by connecting creators with resources, industry opportunities and partnerships. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established professional, we invite you to discover how Kitchener can support your journey. Contact us at 519-741-2345 or reach out by email to get started.

Subscribe to our music newsletter to stay up to date on the local music scene.

Close-up photo of an electric keyboard

Grants and funding

Open the accordions below to learn about each grant or funding opportunity.

The Canada Arts Presentation Fund (CAPF) provides financial support to non-profit organizations that present professional arts festivals and performing arts series, helping increase access to diverse artistic experiences for Canadians.

Website

Experience Ontario: Experience Ontario supports festivals and events that drive tourism and economic impact, encouraging visitors to explore Ontario and boosting local economies. 

Website

FACTOR provides funding and support to Canadian music industry professionals, including artists, songwriters, managers, labels, publishers, and event producers, through a range of programs designed to build sustainable careers and businesses.

Website

The Ontario Arts Council currently offers more than 65 granting programs to individual artists, collectives, ad hoc groups and organizations in twelve sectors.

Website

Administered by Ontario Creates, the Ontario Music Fund (OMF) supports the growth and competitiveness of Ontario’s music industry by driving investment, expanding audiences, and strengthening the province’s cultural and economic impact domestically and internationally.

Website

The Radio Starmaker Fund is a private funding program that provides significant investment to develop the careers of emerging Canadian artists with strong commercial potential.

Website

The SOCAN Foundation offers grants to Canadian music creators and publishers, supporting composition, performance, and career development across a wide range of musical genres. 

Website

The Region of Waterloo Arts Funding grant is awarding $265,000 to support artistic projects within our community. This funding aims to benefit individual artists, collectives, and arts organizations that contribute to the vibrant culture of Waterloo Region. Following a request for proposals process in the fall of 2025, MT Space was selected as the administrative partner for arts funding from 2025 to 2027. 

Website

Close-up photo of a soundboard

Resources and opportunities

There are many resources available to musicians around the region. Open the accordions below to find links to local resources.

The City of Kitchener’s Music Registry helps us maintain a list of musicians and music industry professionals for performance opportunities, grants, workshops and more. Submit your band or your business to be added.

Explore webinars ranging in topics from business management to rights and royalties.

Browse the webinars on YouTube

Person playing guitar with a lens flare effect

Sector research and reports

Open the accordions below to find links to industry resources across Ontario and Canada.

The Canadian Live Music Association has produced an economic impact assessment of the live music industry in Canada.

View the assessment

Wavelength Music and the University of Toronto's School of Cities collaborated on a report exploring the current ecosystem and future of Ontario's live music spaces.

View the report

Crowd of people at a concert with light flare

Kitchener LIVE, local festivals and venue supports

Kitchener LIVE connects Kitchener’s creators, venues, and audiences through a shared platform that celebrates creativity, supports community, and elevates Kitchener as a destination for arts and entertainment. 


Kitchener LIVE is the City of Kitchener’s centralized arts, entertainment and events hub and the public home of the City’s Arts and Entertainment division. It brings together City-produced and City-supported events, third-party events in City-owned venues, and Arts and Creative Industries programs in one place. 


Whether you’re planning an event, attending a show, or looking for opportunities to create and participate, Kitchener LIVE is your gateway to discover what’s happening, buy tickets, and connect with Kitchener’s creative community. 

Sign up to our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the city's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.