Manitoba Music Welcomes Vanessa Kuzina as Executive Director

Manitoba Music’s Board of Directors is excited to welcome Vanessa Kuzina as our new Executive Director.

Vanessa has worked in the music industry for over 16 years, most recently serving as Director, Artist Management and a senior member of the artist management team at Six Shooter Records (Tanya Tagaq, William Prince, Whitehorse, July Talk, Zaki Ibrahim, and more). She previously worked at Interstellar Rodeo music festival in Winnipeg and Edmonton as Community Development Manager and Artist Liaison. Vanessa was a mentor through Manitoba Music’s Music Business Mentorship Program in 2021 and previously served on Manitoba Music’s Board of Directors from 2013 to 2019. Before her life on the industry side of music Vanessa had a successful career as a founding member, band leader, and songwriter for international performing and recording band Oh My Darling. Throughout her career, Vanessa has been devoted to helping build safer and more inclusive spaces for music makers and workers, and for the music community as a whole. 

“We’re thrilled for Vanessa to join Manitoba Music in her new role,” says Manitoba Music’s Board President, Ruth Shead. “She is a true leader who will move our association forward with integrity and creativity, building on a strong and stable foundation. Vanessa brings a dynamic vision, extensive industry and administrative experience, strategic listening and thinking, a deep commitment to enabling systems change to advance equity and belonging in the industry, and an authentic and thoughtful approach to collaborating with funders, stakeholders, and diverse communities.”

“I'm thrilled and honoured to join Manitoba Music, merging my experience within the industry and my background as an artist to champion this vibrant music scene locally and on the global stage,” says Kuzina. “The dynamic team and the Board of Directors are truly inspiring, I'm looking forward to working together to nurture the continued growth, and further advance equity and sustainability within our music industry. This community of artists and industry professionals shines with creative excellence, authenticity, and unwavering drive. I can’t wait to connect and share my passion for the magic that’s cultivated here.”

The appointment was made after an extensive search conducted in partnership with Summit Search Group, a leading executive recruitment firm that brings a wealth of experience in the recruitment of executive leaders across Canada, after the departure of Sean McManus. 

Vanessa will start her new position on September 11.