Music to connect generations: Amanda Braam named Kitchener’s 2026 Artist in Residence

The City of Kitchener is pleased to announce Amanda Braam as the City’s 2026 Artist in Residence. Braam, a Kitchener-based singer-songwriter, musician and recent graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University's music therapy program, will lead the City’s first Musician in Residence program since 2019 with a project that will bring generations together through music. 

“Congratulations to Amanda on being selected as Kitchener’s next Artist in Residence,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Amanda’s project embodies the spirit of connection, creativity and community that makes Kitchener such a vibrant place to live. As we continue building on the momentum of Kitchener Live, our new live entertainment platform launched earlier this year, this residency will help strengthen our growing music ecosystem, create meaningful opportunities for residents to engage with local music, and support the next generation of artists and music leaders in our city.” 

Kitchener’s Artist in Residence program supports artistic innovation while creating opportunities for artists to engage and collaborate with the community. For 2026, the residency was designed to support musicians, music educators and music entrepreneurs in creating meaningful, community-engaged musical experiences for residents of all ages. 

During her residency, Braam will develop a community-focused music project aimed at bridging generations through music, creating opportunities for residents of different ages to connect, collaborate and share experiences through musical participation. 

“We received many thoughtful and inspiring proposals, which speaks to the incredible depth of musical talent in our community,” said William Muir, the City of Kitchener's Music Officer. “Supporting emerging local artists is essential to a healthy and sustainable music sector. Amanda’s residency will create opportunities for learning, mentorship and collaboration while enriching the experiences of musicians and residents alike. We’re excited to see the connections and creativity that will emerge through this project.” 

Braam will begin her residency in September 2026 and work with community partners, local musicians and residents throughout the year to bring her project to life. The residency is intended to support artistic development while fostering meaningful relationships between artists and the community. 

For more information about Kitchener’s Artist in Residence program, visit Kitchener.ca/AIR