Graeme Kennedy, Executive Director
Graeme Kennedy (he/him) is an award-winning musician and cultural leader who has been a driving force behind Maine’s arts community for over two decades. Throughout his career, Kennedy has pioneered innovative strategies in advancement and communications, elevating the visibility and growth of the institutions and individuals he’s worked with. As Executive Director, he is grateful to continue to connect people and enrich communities through his lifelong passion for music.
Born in Brunswick, Maine, Kennedy developed deep ties to the state’s creative landscape through early involvement in organizations such as Maine State Music Theatre, The Theater Project, Portland Regional Youth Orchestra, and Maine Jazz Camp. Under the mentorship of acclaimed jazz musician Steve Grover, Kennedy honed his ensemble skills and formed several groups, solidifying his passion for collaborative artistry.
Kennedy moved to New York City to attend The New School, where he pursued interdisciplinary studies at Mannes School of Music, Parsons School of Design, and Eugene Lang College, graduating with a degree in Postcolonialism. While there, he separately explored a passion for audio production at the SAE Institute, writing and recording over 200 hours of demos. His work gained recognition in 2005 when College Music Journal (CMJ) named him one of New York City’s top unsigned artists.
In 2008, Kennedy released his debut album, Hidden Beast, under MKST Music, the record label he founded to champion emerging talent. Praised for its intricate arrangements and emotional depth, the album’s track "Aw. Turkish. Baby." earned airplay as an intro for NPR host Luke Burbank’s Too Beautiful to Live. That same year, Kennedy performed at the CMJ Music Marathon, cementing his reputation as a standout independent artist.
Returning to Maine in 2009, Kennedy expanded MKST Music into a full-service music publishing and marketing company. Over the years, its roster toured nationally and collaborated with artists like Wilco, Atmosphere, The Flaming Lips, and Dr. Dog. Kennedy’s innovative approach garnered national media coverage and awards, as well as earning him recognition as Best Electronic Act by The Portland Phoenix in 2010.
Over the next 5 years, Kennedy transitioned from promoting musicians and bands to a career in branding and strategic communications, developing content strategy for a variety of clients, independently and as part of the award-winning design agency Might & Main. Clients ranged from local institutions such as SPACE Gallery, The Telling Room, and the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts to national corporations such as Beam Suntory (now Suntory Global Spirits), L.L.Bean, and more.
In 2014, Kennedy joined the Portland Museum of Art and spearheaded its transformation into a nationally celebrated vibrant and inclusive cultural destination. His visionary leadership introduced the museum’s first DEAI Roadmap, created free admission for youth and young adults, and drove record-breaking attendance. Under his strategic and creative direction, the PMA successfully launched groundbreaking campaigns totaling over $100 million, fueling its growth and community impact, and Kennedy’s efforts were recognized with two prestigious Golden Arrow Awards from the Maine Public Relations Council.
In 2024, Kennedy was named Executive Director of 317 Main Community Music Center, an organization renowned for its commitment to acoustic music traditions. Building on this foundation, Kennedy is focused on expanding the center’s impact and establishing it as a national leader in multi-generational music education and performance.
