Making Art Work

What better way to explore local culture than through food and drink? This special episode of Making Art Work was recorded in Edinburgh, Scotland during the 2017 Conference of the Association of Arts Administration Educators. A few conference attendees decided to get together for scones and conversation about local culture as represented by cuisine - with a dash of arts administration.

During our conversation with Emily Zaengle, Executive Director of Stone Quarry Hill Art Park, we will explore the intersection of art and landscape that the park provides. We also delve into the challenge of tracking visitors to such a large piece of property, learning when to say "no" as an organization, and how the organization quadrupled their admission revenue.

John Shaffer hasn't always been an arts administrator - he has also served as a priest in the Episcopal Church. His work in the arts spans positions at the National Endowment for the Arts, among others, and during our conversation we will explore his work at the NEA just prior to the "Culture Wars" of the 1990s. We'll also discuss the challenges of programming a university arts series, involving students in programming, and a collaborative project involving students at multiple campuses across New York State.

Mark Nerenhausen, former arts executive and current director of Syracuse University's Janklow Arts Leadership Program, shares his thoughts on preparing the next generation of arts leaders, the role of the arts in economic development, the Central New York arts ecosystem, and the value of collaboration.

During Part 2 of our interview with Surale Phillips, we will focus on the evolution of community engagement as a priority within many arts organizations. The importance of gathering feedback from and involving community members in arts planning and programming will be discussed in-depth.

Surale Phillips makes the arts her business, consulting with arts organizations nationwide and enabling data-informed decision making. During part one of our conversation, we will explore her work with CNY Arts on their ENGAGE CNY cultural plan, the challenges of encouraging regional arts organizations to collaborate, and much more.

During this conversation with Elizabeth Dunbar, President and CEO of Syracuse's Everson Museum of Art, we'll reflect on her 12 months in Syracuse, highlighting the Everson's new programs, long-standing partnerships, and visions for an updated business model as a content creator.

During part 2 of our interview with incoming Symphoria music director Lawrence Loh, we will explore ways to break down barriers to classical orchestral music; get Larry's take on the music director's role in fundraising; and learn why Loh will relocate his family to the Syracuse area.

In part one of our interview with Lawrence Loh, we discussed his recent appointment as Symphoria's first Music Director, the qualities of a good arts administrator, and the differences between working with an orchestra as a guest conductor versus a more permanent role.

In our conversation with Stephen Butler, executive director of CNY Arts, we will discuss the myriad of programming initiatives being undertaken by the six-county arts council, the importance of strategic planning, and the economic impact of the arts industry.

During our interview with new music advocate Neva Pilgrim, we will discuss the important role of the Society for New Music in the community, tips for grant writing, and much more.

During our conversation with Dr. Kheli Willetts, executive director of the Community Folk Art Center in Syracuse, we'll discuss the organization's tuition-free after school programs, their partnership with Syracuse University, STEM to STEAM, and much more.

During part 2 of our conversation with former orchestra executive Henry Fogel, we'll talk about the importance of organizational renewal, budgeting for a surplus, and current events in the orchestra industry.

In part one of two interviews with orchestra guru Henry Fogel, the conversation centers around the qualities of good leaders, the value of empathy, and evolving orchestra business models.

In this interview with David Grindle, executive director of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, we will explore the world of technical theater across the globe. From the "Phantom of the Opera" chandelier to the automated sets in "Wicked," today's theater producers rely on USITT and their expertise when designing and creating their productions. We will explore this "behind the scenes" world, including the technology behind the Metropolitan Opera's newly-created Ring Cycle.

In part two of our interview with Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra President Trey Devey, we'll explore the art of fundraising, take a broad view of the orchestra field, and learn the importance of learning how to take 'no' for an answer.

In part one of a two-part interview, we'll meet Trey Devey, former executive director of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and current President of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra. During this segment, Mr. Devey explains the CSO's approach to balancing history with contemporary programming, as well as the genesis of the orchestra's $85 million gift from Cincinnati philanthropist Louise Nippert.

In this interview with film location manager Mike Fantasia, we will explore his many collaborations with director Steven Spielberg, including such films as "Munich," "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Fantasia will also discuss the logistics and arrangements involved in bringing a large film crew to small-town America!

Catherine Underhill is the newly-appointed Managing Director of Symphoria, Central New York's new professional symphony orchestra. In this wide-ranging interview, Underhill shares her reasons for returning to her hometown of Syracuse, challenges that she faces in her new role, and her optimistic outlook on the future of the orchestra.

During part 2 of our interview with conductor JoAnn Falletta, we explore her experience with the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast, Northern Ireland, contrasting that orchestra's model with those of American orchestras. We'll also explore the season planning process, and how programming influences marketing, and vice versa.