Creative Minds Out Loud

In late 2019, we spoke to Doneeca Thurston, the newly-named Director of Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts. The 29-year-old Lynn native said her new role felt like a homecoming. She shares her vision for how the museum can be a champion for its majority minority community and ensure that local artists feel respected and celebrated. Doneeca Thurston … Continue reading "Episode 114: Reflecting the Community in Art Spaces"

Sandra Bonnici is a Senior Diversity Fellow for the American Alliance of Museums and a diversity and inclusion consultant. She says that doing the work to make a cultural organization diverse and inclusive requires deep and constant reflection. Institutions need to challenge their processes by asking, “For whom does this work? For whom does this … Continue reading "Episode 113: Unpacking Bias and Privilege in Cultural Organizations"

Sue Dahling Sullivan is an independent consultant with more than 30 years of nonprofit management experience. We spoke to her about strategic planning when she was the Boch/Wang Center’s Chief Strategic Officer and ArtWeek Lead Champion. She believes that you have to be flexible in strategic planning because things do change. It’s an art and … Continue reading "Episode 112: Don’t Just Measure Numbers, You’ll Lose the Real Story"

Dell Marie Hamilton is an artist, writer, and curator. Her work uses the body to investigate questions about personal memory, citizenship, history, and gender. Last fall, she shared what it’s like to have a creative practice in an era of toxicity, and emphasized the importance of self-care and continually learning from other artists. Dell Marie … Continue reading "Episode 111: Mindfulness as an Action"

Dr. Deborah Buccino and Adrien Conklin, BSN RN of MACONY Pediatrics discuss the addition of social prescription – prescribing cultural engagement as a protective, healthy habit – to their collaborative care work in the Berkshires. “We can give prescriptions for medicine. We can give prescriptions to see a neurologist. But we can also give a … Continue reading "Episode 110: Prescribing Cultural Engagement as a Protective, Healthy Habit"

New Bedford Symphony Orchestra (NBSO) Education Director Terry Wolkowicz discusses Learning in Concert, an in-school partnership program between the NBSO and over 40 elementary schools in southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Through this concept-based arts integration program, music educators work with non-arts teachers to remove barriers between a concept (e.g. gravity, space, and sound) and … Continue reading "Episode 108: Learning in Concert"

Last November, we spoke with Michael J. Bobbitt, Artistic Director of New Repertory Theatre, about approaching major change in an organization. He shares ways to identify organizational culture, support staff work/life balance, and keep a board focused. Michael J. Bobbitt is the Artistic Director of New Repertory Theatre. He is an arts leader, director, choreographer, … Continue reading "Episode 109: To Change an Org’s Culture, Rip Off the Band-Aid"

Kim Dawson is the Director of Advancement at ZUMIX, a venerable creative youth development organization in East Boston. ZUMIX works with a largely immigrant community to better equip its youth to be able to navigate the world once they have graduated out of ZUMIX and high school. Dawson shares how they are expanding their opportunities … Continue reading "Episode 107: Youth Workforce Development in Creative Industries"

“The humanities give people time to reflect and think about issues in a different way than our daily living,” says Jack Cheng, Academic Director of the Boston Clemente Course. The Clemente Course is a college-level introduction to the humanities for adults facing economic hardship and adverse circumstances. Cheng shares how teaching adults makes for a … Continue reading "Episode 106: Sharing the Bounties of Human Culture"

Nicole Terez Dutton is a poet, teacher, and literary editor who also served as the first poet laureate of Somerville, MA. She says, “Ultimately, we’re building poems because we want to connect with each other.” Language particular to an experience can reinvigorate our interaction with and our relationship to language itself. Nicole Terez Dutton‘s work … Continue reading "Episode 105: Building the Poem"

AHA! (Arts, History, Architecture) in New Bedford, MA is the longest continuously-funded placemaking and creative economy project in the country. For 20 years, this monthly, free, downtown cultural night and collaborative organization has provided a platform for community development and understanding. Lee Heald, Director of AHA!, discusses how their cross-sector work supports the local economy … Continue reading "Episode 104: AHA! 20 Years of Placemaking"

Last fall, we spoke with Audrey Seraphin, Membership and Capacity Building Manager at ArtsBoston, about how to get more people of color working in cultural organizations and about their Network for Arts Administrators of Color (or NAAC Boston). NAAC Boston enhances the visibility of professionals of color in Greater Boston’s arts and culture sector, and … Continue reading "Episode 103: Enhancing the Visibility of Professionals of Color"

The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Executive Director Craig Coogan discusses their work as performers and cultural ambassadors – in the US and abroad – to inspire change and celebrate difference. Craig Coogan joined the BGMC as Executive Director in October 2012. He is an … Continue reading "Episode 102: Music Triumphs Over Injustice"

L’Merchie Frazier is an artist and Director of Education and Interpretation for the Museum of African American History, Boston/Nantucket. Her work is centered on helping others to find their voice and discover their own innate creativity. She shares how her community projects aim to encourage people – individually and collectively – to participate in the … Continue reading "Episode 101: An Emergence of the People, their Spirit, their Stories"

To mark the occasion of our 100th episode, we have invited Maria Garcia, Senior Editor of the ARTery, WBUR’s arts and culture team, to be our special guest host. She interviews Anita Walker, Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council, who discusses her 13 years leading the agency, and what it looks like to eliminate mistrust … Continue reading "Episode 100: Eliminate Mistrust"

Marquis Victor is the Founding Executive Director of Elevated Thought, a creative youth development nonprofit in Lawrence, MA. He believes that art is a form of liberation, and that young people – once they have access and exposure to art – are able to build a foundation of self, expand their minds and eyes to … Continue reading "Episode 99: Art is a Humanizing Process"

Luis Croquer is the Henry & Lois Foster Director and Chief Curator of the Rose Art Museum. He discusses how the inclusion of more art historians from diverse backgrounds is helping rewrite the stories of artists previously overlooked by collecting institutions. He says centering the work of these artists also complicates the whole idea of … Continue reading "Episode 98: Broadening the Canon"

Kate Gilbert, Executive Director of Now + There, says the most successful public art is trying to disrupt how we walk through and see the world. She discusses how her organization supports temporary work in Boston as a strategy for changing how public art gets made and is appreciated. Kate Gilbert is on a mission … Continue reading "Episode 97: Public Art Accelerator"

Mandy Precious, Engagement and Learning Director at Theatre Royal Plymouth, shares how social prescription – prescribing the arts or arts activities over medication – has impacted their organization and their community. Through their Our Space program, adults with addiction, homelessness, and/or mental health issues come to see productions and make their own work. Mandy Precious … Continue reading "Episode 96: When Well-Being Takes the Stage"

Vijay Mathew, Cultural Strategist and Co-Founder of HowlRound Theater Commons, discusses the impact of climate change on the field of arts and culture, and what a transition to a post-carbon arts sector may entail. Vijay Mathew (he/him/his) is the Cultural Strategist and a co-founder of HowlRound Theatre Commons, based at Emerson College, Boston, USA. He … Continue reading "Episode 95: The Arts Sector in the Age of Climate Change"

Through “Look at Art. Get Paid,” artists Maia Chao and Josephine Devanbu pay people who have never been to an art museum to visit one as guest critics. Having both studied social science in addition to art, Chao and Devanbu crave a candid conversation about the structural inequalities of art, critique, and its institutions. Maia … Continue reading "Episode 94: Look at Art. Get Paid."

Matthew Mazzotta is an artist and activist. His work utilizes – and fuels – community dialogue. Through the creation of public artwork and space, he aims to leave people with an experience that expands their view of where they live. Matthew Mazzotta works at the intersection of art, activism, and urbanism, focusing on the power … Continue reading "Episode 93: Creating Public Space for Community Health"

Celina Miranda, Executive Director of Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF), discusses the integral role of young people in the creation of Boston’s Latin Quarter Cultural District. She says that HSTF youth were compelled to speak up about the importance of having a place to call home and a place that recognizes their strengths and assets. … Continue reading "Episode 92: Youth Voice Transforms a Neighborhood"

Heather Cook founded Three Match Creations with an aim to spark community in Central Massachusetts through creativity, innovation, and education. Their Co-Lab offers a center for connection between whoever is looking for a support system – artists, makers, creatives, and/or growers. Raised in the backwoods of Montana, completely off-grid, Heather Cook learned at an early … Continue reading "Episode 91: Igniting Community in Central Mass"

George Fifield, Director of Boston Cyberarts, says, “Anytime you have a technology which can create an expressive medium, artists are some of the first people there – after it’s invented – to really explore it, and to stretch it, and to see what it really can do.” He discusses the evolution of media arts and … Continue reading "Episode 90: Technology as an Expressive Medium"

“The humanities are human beings interpreting what human beings do,” says Brian Boyles, Executive Director of Mass Humanities. He discusses Mass Humanities’ work to support communities who are doing humanities work in the public square. He says that given the crises we’re facing as a country, the more the humanities can be a part of … Continue reading "Episode 89: Common Spaces for Sharing Our Humanity"

Juliet Feibel, Executive Director of ArtsWorcester, discusses some secrets for success and longevity in a small organization, including how to be a real partner with her board. She says their onboarding protocol clarifies expectations so that by the time a member is serving they already have an understanding of their role and responsibilities. A native … Continue reading "Episode 88: Navigating the Board Relationship"

Lecolion Washington, CEO and Executive Director of the Community Music Center of Boston, discusses some of the barriers to seeing more diversity in symphony orchestras across America, what systemic change takes, and how to create an organizational culture that is success-based, not deficit-based. Lecolion Washington, CEO/Executive Director of the Community Music Center of Boston. M.M. … Continue reading "Episode 87: There’s the Intent and There’s the Impact"

Malia Lazu, Founder of The Urban Labs, discusses her work to support startups and creative entrepreneurs through Accelerate Boston, a program that teaches the basics of business through curricula and alumni support. She says the program explores an inherent tension between a creative’s ambitions around their vision to make what they want to make, and … Continue reading "Episode 86: Supporting Creatives in Their Startups"

David Sun Kong is Director of MIT Media Lab’s Community Biotechnology Initiative; Founder and Board President of EMW Community Space, an art, technology, and community space in Cambridge, MA; a DJ and photographer. He says there’s a disconnect between the life sciences sector and general public. His work at the intersection of art, science, design, and … Continue reading "Episode 85: Innovation at the Edge"

Max Hodges, Executive Director of the Boston Ballet, shares the story of a business plan competition (à la “Shark Tank”) for new revenue that engaged the Ballet’s entire organization of more than 500 people, including staff, dancers, musicians, and board members. Meredith Max Hodges—who goes by Max—joined Boston Ballet as Executive Director in 2014, and leads … Continue reading "Episode 84: Boston Ballet’s Business Plan Competition"

Rosemary Tracy Woods, Executive Director of Art for the Soul Gallery in Springfield, MA, discusses how artists can plug into their local arts community and how a community’s efforts to engage local artists can be more inclusive, and ultimately more representative of all the people they serve. Rosemary Tracy Woods, Executive Director of Art for … Continue reading "Episode 83: Engaging Diverse Artists"

The American Repertory Theater’s Diane Paulus and Diane Borger share how they think about risk, and what it means to have “high tolerance for disequilibrium” that permeates the entire culture of an organization. By experimenting with doing things differently, they say artists and arts organizations actually develop muscle and an ability to stay afloat in … Continue reading "Episode 82: The ART of Taking Risks"

Boston’s Fort Point is home to over 300 artists who produce work in a wide array of media. Jennifer Mecca, President of Fort Point Artist Community, discusses the huge changes this neighborhood has seen over the years. She shares how the artists’ community (one of New England’s largest) has evolved from being in “SOS” mode … Continue reading "Episode 81: Adapting to Change, Not Just Fighting It"

Greg Jenkins, Executive Director of the Somerville Arts Council, shares how he and his colleagues build relationships with Somerville’s diverse new immigrant populations as both arts audience members and programming partners. This type of community engagement identifies new sources of cultural energy and assets, he says, and a willingness to enter a world that may … Continue reading "Episode 80: Partnering with New Immigrants"

Sociedad Latina is the oldest Latino youth organization in Boston. Its creative youth development program supports young people from middle-school into early college or career. Executive Director Alex Oliver-Dávila, discusses the symbiotic relationship they have formed with numerous local colleges which allows their students to experience a pathway to higher education and bridges an institutional … Continue reading "Episode 79: Opening Doors and Creating Pathways"

How do you follow in the footsteps of an organizational leader — especially a beloved, well-respected founder? Margaret Keller, Executive Director of Community Access to the Arts (CATA), discusses the transition process for her taking the helm at CATA five years ago when founder Sandy Newman retired, and offers tips for board members on how … Continue reading "Episode 78: Following in a Founder’s Footsteps"

Eileen McCaffery, Executive Director of Community Music School of Springfield, and Julie Jaron, Director of Visual and Performing Arts for the Springfield Public Schools, discuss their work over five years on the Sonido Musica program, a partnership that aims to reduce Springfield’s high school drop-out rate through student engagement, leadership, and performance opportunities. What started … Continue reading "Episode 77: Sonido Musica in Harmony"

John Durant, Director of the MIT Museum, discusses the origins of the Cambridge Science Festival, the first of its kind in the United States. Now in its 13th year, the Festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually, hosts events in more than 70 different venues from Cape Cod to Central Massachusetts, and works with more … Continue reading "Episode 76: Celebrating Science and Technology in the Community, for the Community"

Patrice Maye, Executive Director of the South Shore Art Center and Scituate Harbor Cultural District, discusses creative placemaking across the South Shore, including Scituate’s Sister City Projects with West Cork, Ireland and Sucy-en-Brie, France. A non-profit executive with 20 years of experience in building resources and audiences for diverse mission-driven organizations, Patrice Maye joined South … Continue reading "Episode 75: South Shore Cultural Community on the Map, Here and Abroad"

There’s more to New Bedford than just whaling. Lee Blake, President of the New Bedford Historical Society, discusses how the city’s residents are pulling their history together to create a new conversation about what New Bedford did to end slavery, and how that history can inform and inspire a more progressive social agenda. As president … Continue reading "Episode 74: New Bedford Asks: What Would an Abolitionist Do Now?"

Discovery Museum is a hands-on museum that blends science, nature, and play, inspiring families to explore and learn together. Neil Gordon, CEO, discusses how universal design and User/Experts informed their recent expansion to a 16,000sf accessible building. He also shares their efforts to integrate parents into the exhibit experience. He says that in the museum’s … Continue reading "Episode 73: Hands-on Learning, Creating for Kids and Caregivers"

Catherine Allgor, President of Massachusetts Historical Society, shares her path to becoming an historian, and how the Society is expanding efforts to “get out” – by digitizing collections, expanding community partnerships, and more. (Also, don’t miss this conversation we had with Allgor last year about Mass History Day, a state affiliate of National History Day, … Continue reading "Episode 72: Mass Historical Society is “Getting Out”"

John Majercak is President of the Center for EcoTechnology, a nonprofit organization providing advice and resources for people and businesses to help them save energy and reduce waste. He shares ways cultural organizations can be more energy and cost efficient. John Majercak has overall responsibility for leading the Center for EcoTechnology including strategic planning, program development, … Continue reading "Episode 71: Green is Good"

The Theater Offensive presents the diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer lives in art so bold it breaks through personal isolation, challenges the status quo, and builds thriving communities. Evelyn Francis, Interim Artistic Director, discusses their youth program – a national model for creative youth development – where young people not only create … Continue reading "Episode 70: Out Youth Theater – Revelatory Experience for Performers and Audience"

Choreographer and Master Teacher Adrienne Hawkins discusses the field of dance – how the making of, and support for, the work has changed over time, its persistent challenges, and its inherent joys. Ms. Hawkins holds a BA in Education from Arizona State University and a MFA in Dance from Connecticut College. She was Artistic Director … Continue reading "Episode 69: Iconoclast of Dance"

Matthias Waschek, Executive Director of the Worcester Art Museum, says truly accessible museums create experiences that make visitors want to return. In doing so they must challenge institutional norms to welcome and engage more diverse populations. Matthias Waschek joined the Worcester Art Museum in 2011 as the C. Jean and Myles McDonough Director. German born, … Continue reading "Episode 68: Access Means Overcoming Psychological Barriers, Too"

The Berkshires are home to an array of arts and culture organizations, and 13 schools districts. Connecting these two worlds often means overcoming barriers of distance and transportation. Lisa Donovan, Professor of Arts Management at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, discusses efforts underway to create a regional, rural model for collaboration between arts education … Continue reading "Episode 67: Connecting Rural Schools to Arts Education"

Al Wilson, Founder and Executive Director of Beyond Walls, discusses their work to create public art installations in Lynn, MA. He shares how perceptions were torn down as part of this process, bringing people into downtown and changing the image and ethos around this diverse and vibrant city. Al Wilson is the Founder and Executive … Continue reading "Episode 66: Lynn, Lynn, City of Murals"

The City of New Bedford wanted to increase its high school graduation rates. As their response, New Bedford Whaling Museum launched the High School Apprenticeship Program, which provides resources and support to students that deepen community engagement and cultivate college and career readiness. Director of Apprentices and Interns Christina Turner and then Vice President of … Continue reading "Episode 65: Museum Apprenticeships Transform Lives of New Bedford Youth"

Jay Calderin, Founder and Executive Director of Boston Fashion Week, discusses his work as a designer with the Fashion Accessibility Project and how it inspired new ways of thinking about designing for the body. The Boston Globe refers to Jay Calderin as “a budding designer’s best friend.” Calderin is the author of The Fashion Design Reference … Continue reading "Episode 64: Fashion Rolls Forward"

In 2014, Boston became the first American city to have a Literary Cultural District. Last year we spoke with Eve Bridburg, Executive Director of GrubStreet and Founder of the Boston Literary District, and Alysia Abbott, Director of the Boston Literary District. They discuss what it takes to support long-term collaboration between organizations of different sizes … Continue reading "Episode 63: Boston’s Literary District Engages Writers of Today with the City’s Rich Past"

Graham Wright, Founder of Opus Affair, discusses the perennial question of how do organizations take care of their established audience while leaving room to create emerging audiences. Graham Wright is an arts management consultant, classical singer, and founder of Opus Affair—an organization focused on connecting individuals with arts and culture events in their communities. Opus … Continue reading "Episode 62: When Growing Audiences, Going Too Fast is as Dangerous as Too Slow"

Kay Simpson, President of the Springfield Museums, speaks to the opening of the Dr. Seuss Museum, and what it means to Springfield, MA, Theodor Geisel’s hometown. Kay Simpson is President of the Springfield Museums. She received her B.A. from Smith College and a M.Ed. in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts. Ms. Simpson has … Continue reading "Episode 61: Oh, the Places Springfield Museums Will Go!"

Benjamin Forman, Director of the Gateway Cities Innovation Institute at MassINC, says residential property values are higher in communities that have more arts and culture. He says municipal leaders should take stock of that when considering modest public investments in strategies such as Cultural Districts and the economic returns that they yield. Benjamin Forman has … Continue reading "Episode 60: Gateway Cities & Creative Placemaking"

David C. Howse, Executive Director of ArtsEmerson, shares how ‘curatorial listening’ leads to better community partnerships in developing programming and initiatives. He also discusses the benefits afforded institutions that shift their imagination in ways that allow them to see the world and ultimately benefit from the world in a much more magical way. David C. … Continue reading "Episode 59: Listen, Present, and Repeat"

Meg O’Brien, Interim Co-Director of Education at Huntington Theatre Company, discusses their long-standing commitment to universal participation. She shares how the Huntington makes productions accessible for patrons with hearing or vision difficulties, and how they’re expanding ways to integrate accessibility into performance models and schedules. Meg O’Brien is in her 10th season at the Huntington … Continue reading "Episode 58: Removing Barriers for Theatregoers"

Susan Wissler, Executive Director of The Mount, shares her experience of bringing an organization back from the precipice, and how retiring its $9M debt helped its community rethink what a historic home can be. Susan Wissler joined The Mount in 2001 as Vice President and became Executive Director in 2008. Ms. Wissler graduated from Brown … Continue reading "Episode 57: Mounting a Comeback for Edith Wharton’s Legacy"

Revolution 250 is a consortium of organizations working together to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the events that led to American Revolution. Over the coming 10 years, they will explore the history of the American Revolution and the ways that this remarkable story still resonates today. Last fall, we spoke with Reverend Steve Ayres, Vicar … Continue reading "Episode 56: Reconnecting to America and What It Stands For"

Zakiya Thomas, Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Executive Director of Education, Community Engagement and Inclusion, discusses how evaluation and accountability are key for institutions seeking to reach new audiences. She says the same rigor that organizations apply to visitor experience or to the quality of work on display needs to also be applied around how that organization … Continue reading "Episode 55: Generate and Cultivate Engagement"

Peter DiMuro, Executive Director of The Dance Complex and Artistic Director of Peter DiMuro Public Displays of Motion, says there are many reasons to come to movement. He discusses how the act of creating dance brings people together and plays with leadership and followership, essential ideas for working on a team wherever you are – … Continue reading "Episode 54: Demystifying the Dance Process"

Jessica Allan, former City Planner for Easthampton, MA, discusses the trajectory of the city’s work to identify and cultivate Easthampton’s unique culture and artists, and bring them to the forefront of the local economy. Jessica Allan has been with MBL Housing & Development since December 2017, and has over 17 years’ experience in land use … Continue reading "Episode 53: Unearthing and Cultivating a Hidden Economy"

In 2018 the first casino in Massachusetts opens in Springfield. Tina D’Agostino, President of the Springfield Performing Arts Development Corporation, joined us last year to discuss what the addition of a casino could mean to the city, its performing arts centers, and their audiences. Tina D’Agostino is the President of Springfield Performing Arts Development Corporation … Continue reading "Episode 52: Performing Arts Centers Make Ready for First Casino in MA"

Patrick Norton is Executive Director of the Narrows Center for the Arts, a regional destination for the visual and performing arts. He discusses the Narrows’ contribution to the Fall River community and their arts therapy program for developmentally delayed adults. Patrick Norton has been involved with the Narrows Center for the Arts for 21 years … Continue reading "Episode 51: Wide Perspective at the Narrows"

Edmund Barry Gaither, Director of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, says this moment in Roxbury is “a moment of becoming.” He discusses work underway by Elma Lewis Partners and the recently-designated Roxbury Cultural District to use economic development to gift a community with a first-rate cultural and educational institution by 2020. Edmund Barry Gaither … Continue reading "Episode 50: Mission-Driven Commercial Development Afoot in Roxbury"

Julie Lichtenberg, Director of The Performance Project, and Artistic Director of First Generation Ensemble, discusses their approach to creative youth development work, including their commitment to inclusion and peer mentoring. The Performance Project’s First Generation brings together young adults ages 14-23 for intensive artistic training, leadership development, and inter-generational mentoring. Forming an artistic ensemble, the … Continue reading "Episode 49: Youth Community Built on Firsts"

Wrapped inside the cozy neighborhoods of a leafy mill town in Boston’s Metro West, Maynard’s downtown is a dynamic micro-city. Tim Hess, an architect and former chair of the Maynard Cultural Council, shares the journey undertaken to create what is now Maynard’s Assabet Village Cultural District. Timothy Hess, AIA, CNU-A, SEED Tim Hess is a … Continue reading "Episode 48: Cultural District as Framework for Unifying Community Vision"

Lois Hetland is a MassArt professor and among the nation’s leading scholars on the value of arts education. She discusses her research into the Studio Habits of Mind, eight dispositions that students develop through meaningful education in the visual arts. Lois Hetland, Ed.D., is Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Art Education Department at the … Continue reading "Episode 47: The Real Benefits of Visual Arts Education"

New England has the largest per capita concentration of museums in the country. Dan Yaeger, Executive Director of the New England Museum Association, speaks to the health of the region’s museums and the systemic challenges museums face to diversify their staffs and boards. Dan Yaeger was named executive director of New England Museum Association in … Continue reading "Episode 46: Museums in the Face of Changing Communities"

Rose Sackey-Milligan is a Senior Program Officer at Mass Humanities and Academic Director of the Bard College Clemente Course in the Humanities, a college-level learning experience for adults whose aspirations for higher education and engagement with the humanities are thwarted by socioeconomic circumstances. She discusses the vital role of the humanities – philosophy, ethics, jurisprudence, … Continue reading "Episode 45: The Humanities Equip Us with Tools of Introspection & Analysis"

Todd Smith, the Interim Executive Director at the American Textile History Museum in Lowell, discusses the difficult process of closing a museum and the importance of a deaccession plan that supports the collection as well as the public good. Todd Smith uses his experience in education, corporate strategy, and nonprofit leadership to help organizations navigate … Continue reading "Episode 44: How to Responsibly Close a Museum"

Linda McInerney, Founder and Artistic Director of Eggtooth Productions, discusses their Full Disclosure Festival in Greenfield, MA, born of ‘blind dates’ between artists, climatologists, and anthropologists. Linda McInerney has worked for over 30 years as an actor, singer, director, and producer in New York and throughout New England, with credits including Circle Repertory Company and … Continue reading "Episode 43: An Artist, an Anthropologist, and a Climatologist Walk Into a Bar"

Jeffry George, Executive Artistic Director of the Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater, shares the pitfalls of NOT having a feasibility study in place before building a new facility. Jeffry George, Executive Artistic Director Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater (WHAT), has ​thirty plus years of ​administrative and management experience in numerous AEA theatres throughout the U.S.  He most … Continue reading "Episode 42: Oops, We Didn’t Do a Feasibility Study"

Elizabeth Devlin is an independent arts programmer, curator, and the force behind FLUX., an online resource for local artists and arts enthusiasts in Boston and beyond. She discusses her work connecting artists with spaces and audiences in support of a vibrant New England arts scene. Elizabeth Devlin is an independent public arts programmer, curator, writer, … Continue reading "Episode 41: Artists, Community in FLUX"

For 30 years, Angkor Dance Troupe has been a creative youth development leader in Lowell, MA, a city with the second-largest Cambodian population in the United States. Angkor connects families to what it means to be Khmer, gives young people opportunity, and shares beautiful stories of the Khmer people and their cultural heritage. Linda Sou … Continue reading "Episode 40: Ancient Dance Emboldens Youth’s Future"

Tony Beadle, Executive Director of Rockport Music, shares the trajectory of his organization from a 5-week chamber music festival to a year-round arts presenter now with its own signature performing arts center. Tony Beadle joined Rockport Music as Executive Director in February 2010. Under his leadership, he managed the transition of the organization from 5-week … Continue reading "Episode 39: A Performance Center with a View"

Marita Rivero is the Executive Director of the Museum of African-American History, New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving, and interpreting the contributions of African Americans. She discusses what it means to be part of a cultural continuum, and how the arts and humanities can be used to reach across barriers to bring a richer dialog forward. … Continue reading "Episode 38: Championing Civic Empowerment Then & Now"

A thriving creative sector is one of our Commonwealth’s most powerful economic development assets. Morgan Drewniany, Executive Director of the Springfield Central Cultural District, shares their work in harnessing arts and culture for the future of Springfield. Morgan Drewniany is Executive Director of the Springfield Central Cultural District. She attended Hampshire College with a focus … Continue reading "Episode 37: Springfield Cultural District Fuels Downtown Growth"

Scott Fraser, Managing Director of the Jose Mateo Ballet Theater, discusses capitalization strategy. He says when arts & cultural organizations talk about what they need with the philanthropic sector, they have to be sure to include contingencies because the unexpected is going to happen. Scott Fraser has been instrumental in leading and sustaining Jose Mateo … Continue reading "Episode 36: Capitalization and Contingencies"

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D., is the CEO of IBA-Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, a community development corporation dedicated to empowering individuals through education, workforce development, and arts programs. She shares IBA’s holistic approach to youth development and how the arts unleash the collective power and voice of the young people they serve. Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Ph.D., is the … Continue reading "Episode 35: Rooted in Arts, Activism, and Social Justice"

Berkshire Children & Families (BCF), a social service agency serving Western Massachusetts, believes that partnering with families is the best way to promote healthy, happy children to make strong families and better communities. Carolyn Mower Burns, President and CEO, shared how through Kids 4 Harmony, an intensive classical music program for social change, BCF uses … Continue reading "Episode 34: Why is a Social Service Agency Running a Classical Music Program?"

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of JFK with a year-long celebration. Steven M. Rothstein, Executive Director of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, discusses the commemoration of this centennial year and reflects on the inspirational legacy of JFK in the arts, culture, and our … Continue reading "Episode 33: The Enduring Values of John F. Kennedy’s Presidency"

Fitchburg Art Museum is experiencing a renaissance. Director Nick Capasso describes how their commitment to community service – through organizational culture, programming, and partnerships – strengthens and grows the creative ecology of the city. Nicholas Capasso, Ph.D. is Director of the Fitchburg Art Museum, a community-oriented museum in Fitchburg, Massachusetts with art historical collections, changing … Continue reading "Episode 32: When Community Service is Hardwired Into a Museum"

Marinell Rousmaniere, Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at EdVestors, discusses the Boston Public Schools (BPS) Arts Expansion Initiative, a multi-year effort focused on increasing access, equity, and quality of arts learning for all BPS students. Launched in 2009, this public-private partnership involves a large and coordinated network of partners, including schools, arts organizations, local … Continue reading "Episode 31: Collective Action Revitalized Arts Education in Boston"

Carole Charnow, President and CEO of the Boston Children’s Museum, shares how since 2012 the museum has provided reduced admission to visitors with an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, the first program of its kind in New England. For over 30 years, Carole Charnow has led cultural non-profits in the US and the UK, overseeing … Continue reading "Episode 30: Museum EBT Card Program Opens the Door a Bit Wider"

Giles Li is Executive Director of the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC), a social-services organization serving the community since 1969. He shares how BCNC uses the arts as a tool for community development, most recently in the creation of a new arts center. He says that right now Chinatown’s identity is maybe “stretching a little”, … Continue reading "Episode 29: Arts Center as a Platform for Community Development in Chinatown"

Enchanted Circle Theater is a community-based arts organization in Holyoke, MA, that works with students, teachers, and social services – in the mental health field, in the foster care world, everywhere and anywhere – using theater arts as a dynamic teaching tool. Executive Director Priscilla Kane Hellweg says they’re developing whole human beings, who can … Continue reading "Episode 28: Empowering Youth to Fix the World Around Them"

Susan Chinsen, Establishing Director of the Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF), says film festivals can be powerful tools to engage the public and spark important – sometimes tricky – conversations. She discusses a key goal of BAAFF – to build community amongst Asian Americans by providing a forum to gather, connect, and take pride … Continue reading "Episode 27: Projecting & Reflecting on Cultural Heritage"

Eric Booth, one of the foremost experts in the world on teaching artists, speaks about the field and craft of teaching artistry. He says while teaching artists are recognized as learning catalysts – by the education, business, and healthcare sectors (to name a few) – there continue to be insufficient growth pathways to support the … Continue reading "Episode 26: The Potency of Teaching Artistry"

Beryl Jolly, Executive Director of the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, discusses their capital campaign to restore their historic theater, retire old debt, and establish operating reserves. She says their cash reserve will allow the Mahaiwe to invest more directly in the artist, in the theater, and in the community. Beryl Jolly has been the director … Continue reading "Episode 25: A Capital Campaign with Lasting Impact (and a Cash Reserve!)"

Dr. Peggy Codding, Professor of Music in Music Therapy at the Berklee College of Music, says our brains allow us to compensate for the needs our brains have. She describes the ability of the brain to retrain neurons through music therapy, helping people with profound functional disabilities to express themselves. Peggy Codding, Ph.D, MT-BC is … Continue reading "Episode 24: Music Therapy & Neuroplasticity"

Catalyst Conversations presents intimate and provocative conversations between artists, scientists, and the public. Deborah Davidson, Founder and Director, describes how the organization came to be and how magic ensues when artists and scientists interplay. Deborah Davidson is a curator, artist and educator. Deborah received her M.F.A. from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts/Tufts … Continue reading "Episode 23: Vivid, Beautiful Language Spoken Between Art & Science"

There’s an enormous amount of generational leadership change that’s happening in our arts and cultural organizations. And while people may liken succession planning to a form of disaster preparedness, Old Sturbridge Village – the largest outdoor history museum in the Northeast – sees it differently. Jim Donahue, President and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village, discusses … Continue reading "Episode 22: Leadership Change Needn’t Be A Crisis"

Erin Williams, Cultural Development Officer for the City of Worcester and Executive Director of the Worcester Cultural Coalition, discusses what’s possible when arts & culture has a seat in City Hall, and what can be gained by integrating the arts into city strategies. Erin I. Williams is the Cultural Development Officer for the City of … Continue reading "Episode 21: When Arts & Culture Have a Seat in City Hall"

Mass Audubon is working hard to ensure that everyone can enjoy the nature of Massachusetts. Lucy Gertz, Statewide Education Projects Manager, details how what began in 2008 with the construction of a pilot “sensory trail” has since evolved into their Accessible Interpretive Trails Project, which includes 12 multi-sensory, interpretive All Persons Trails. Lucy Gertz, Statewide … Continue reading "Episode 20: Access to the Natural World"

Over the last decade, the Maker Movement has grown into a worldwide network of people from all disciplines coming together to learn through play and through making. Eric Rosenbaum, a creative technologist with a doctorate from MIT Media Lab’s Lifelong Kindergarten group, says there’s a powerful promise in unlocking the potential that we all have … Continue reading "Episode 19: Learning Through Play, Through Making"

Earlier this year, the Boston Foundation released a study, “How Boston and Other American Cities Support and Sustain the Arts.” Julie Koo, Vice President of TDC and co-author of the report, shares key findings from the research and how Boston’s philanthropic scenes varies from other US cities. Juliana Koo is a Vice President at TDC, … Continue reading "Episode 18: How Does Arts Funding in Boston Compare?"

With more than 1.3 million visitors a year, the New England Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston and a major public education resource for the region. William Spitzer, Vice President for Programs, Exhibits and Planning, shares how the Aquarium has transitioned from focusing on individual consumer behaviors to collective and civic … Continue reading "Episode 17: New England Aquarium’s Ethos of Civic Engagement"

Through Barrington Stage Company’s creative youth development program, Playwright Mentoring Project, theatre is used as a catalyst to help under-served youth learn skills to aid them in developing positive self-images. Artistic Director Julie Boyd speaks to the cathartic nature of this work and to how their programs in education and theatre-making interweave. Julianne Boyd co-founded the … Continue reading "Episode 16: Youth Finding a Voice, Finding a Stage"