Speakers

Andrea Hallam is the Manager of Arts & Creative Industries for the City of Kitchener, where she leads a multifaceted team within the Arts & Entertainment division of Economic Development. With a deep commitment to fostering vibrant communities, Andrea oversees a portfolio that includes strategic leadership – guiding arts organizations, individual artists, and the broader creative economy, public art administration, and supporting a large portfolio of City-owned arts and entertainment venue spaces (e.g., THEMUSEUM, Homer Watson House & Gallery, 44 Gaukel, Centre In The Square, KW Art Gallery, and the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts).

In her role, Andrea provides operational oversight of 44 Gaukel, Kitchener’s Creative Hub, and works collaboratively with groups, artists, and organizations to advance arts-driven initiatives in that space. She is instrumental in elevating Kitchener’s profile as a thriving arts and creative industries destination, upholding existing projects and championing new activities that respond to community needs.

Andrea’s work encompasses the development and implementation of the City’s upcoming “Arts & Creative Industries Action Plan,” stewardship of public art collections and artist-in-residence programs, and strengthening community-led festivals such as CAFKA and IMPACT. She also plays a key role in nurturing the growth of local film, music, and interactive media sectors, while fostering partnerships with educational institutions.

Prior to joining the City of Kitchener, Andrea served as the Culture Planning Specialist for the City of Waterloo, where she led the creation of Waterloo’s Culture Plan and arts grant programs. Her advocacy for creative businesses, along with her success in securing multi-level government funding, has been widely recognized. Andrea’s career in cultural development spans over two decades, including 13 years as Executive Director of the London Heritage Council, where she developed the City of London’s Cultural Prosperity Plan and launched impactful programs like the Newcomer Pass. Her international experience began in Scotland as the Collections & Workforce Development Coordinator for Tayside Museums, supporting strategic initiatives across 23 institutions.

Andrea holds a master’s degree in Art Gallery and Museum Studies from the University of Manchester, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Classical Studies and International Studies from Queen’s University. Her blend of academic insight and practical leadership continues to positively shape Kitchener’s arts and entertainment landscape.