Hi, I’m Justin Gunderson, an Ottawa-based music and events professional with over a decade of leadership in festival programming, community event management, radio broadcasting, and artist relations. I’ve built partnerships, managed multi-disciplinary teams, and driven community impact through music-driven initiatives—from Cranium Festival to local BIAs and community radio projects. Whether I’m booking artists, coordinating volunteers, or steering large-scale productions, I focus on collaboration that elevates local talent and creates memorable experiences. I’m passionate about community-driven arts, sponsor partnerships, and turning creative ideas into well-executed events that bring people together.

Justin Gunderson

Hi, I’m Justin Gunderson, an Ottawa-based music and events professional with over a decade of leadership in festival programming, community event management, radio broadcasting, and artist relations. I’ve built partnerships, managed multi-disciplinary teams, and driven community impact through music-driven initiatives—from Cranium Festival to local BIAs and community radio projects. Whether I’m booking artists, coordinating volunteers, or steering large-scale productions, I focus on collaboration that elevates local talent and creates memorable experiences. I’m passionate about community-driven arts, sponsor partnerships, and turning creative ideas into well-executed events that bring people together.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Justin Gunderson, an Ottawa-based music and events professional with over a decade of leadership in festival programming, community event management, radio broadcasting, and artist relations. I’ve built partnerships, managed multi-disciplinary teams, and driven community impact through music-driven initiatives—from Cranium Festival to local BIAs and community radio projects.

Whether I’m booking artists, coordinating volunteers, or steering large-scale productions, I focus on collaboration that elevates local talent and creates memorable experiences. I’m passionate about community-driven arts, sponsor partnerships, and turning creative ideas into well-executed events that bring people together.

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Work Experience

Volunteer & Project Coordinator at Capital Music Awards
March 1, 2025 - May 1, 2025
Led volunteer operations, coordinated production tasks for the awards show, supported event logistics, rehearsals, and on-site execution, and collaborated with sponsors and partners to ensure a smooth show.
Projects Coordinator at Vanier BIA
October 1, 2022 - March 1, 2025
Planned, produced, and managed all BIA community events; coordinated vendors, performers, volunteers, and partnerships; oversaw event timelines, logistics, and on-site execution.
Co-Founder & Music Director at Cranium Arts Project
January 1, 2019 - Present
Co-founded Cranium Festival; led music programming and artist bookings; hosted events, curated lineups, and supported marketing and partnerships; developed and managed community-driven arts initiatives.
Promotions Coordinator | Producer & Host at CHUO 89.1 FM
August 1, 2018 - September 1, 2021
Hosted and produced two weekly radio programs featuring interviews and DJ sets; managed social media and station promotions; generated advertising revenue; oversaw street team and drive-time programming, including scheduling and board operation.
Sales Agent at Bell Canada
July 1, 2010 - January 1, 2018
Worked across inbound, outbound, and retention departments; built customer relations and consistently met sales targets.
Founder | Event Producer at Hip Hop Food Drive
December 1, 2015 - December 1, 2025
Founded and produced annual multi-city Hip Hop Food Drive benefiting local food banks; raised donations through concerts, promotions, and partnerships; coordinated artists, sponsors, volunteers, and venues.
Host & Producer at CIUT 89.5 FM
June 1, 2015 - September 1, 2018
Hosted and produced a weekly program featuring Canadian music and interviews; managed social media and guest coordination.
Host & Producer at CHUO 89.1 FM
March 1, 2007 - October 1, 2009
Hosted and produced “Beats, Rhymes & Life” radio program; managed outreach and fundraising; won the 2009 NCRA Local Talent Development Award.
Host & Producer at CKCU 93.1 FM
January 1, 2005 - December 1, 2007
Produced an overnight program highlighting local artists.

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Education