The MAAA alumni are always generous in providing their time, insights, and connections to current students. There are alumni across the U.S. and around the world working in all three sectors in a variety of roles.
As practitioners in the field, alumni provided some insights on their philosophy of arts administration and what the term “arts administration” means to them in their current role. See their answers below.
Kathryn Rudolph—Director of Operations and Community Programs, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras
Q: What is your personal philosophy of arts administration?
A: I aspire to utilize my talents and leadership skills to share the power of the arts with our youth and provide them with pathways for growth, knowledge, community, and excellence.
Q: How has this approach impacted your career?
A: My philosophy has developed over time, and I expect it will continue to evolve throughout my career. I’ve been drawn to roles and institutions that allow me to focus on supporting youth engagement in the arts at the highest levels.
Maria Talbert – Managing Director, IU Auditorium
Q: What is your personal philosophy of arts administration? How has this approach impacted your career?
A; For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for the arts and the belief in the power and importance they play in individual lives and our collective community. I have been successful in collaborating with the variety of individuals and groups I have been privileged to work with because of the main motivator in my life: relationships. I maintain a deep-seated belief that we are on this planet to connect and engage with others, and to help affect positive change on an individual and collective level. These beliefs have motivated me to be solution-focused, collaborative, thoughtful, and strategic in my goals, priorities, decisions, and actions throughout my career.
Connie Brahm – Director of Marketing and Communications, Indiana Arts Commission
Q: How would you define/describe arts administration?
A: My definition of arts administration is helping people lead creative lives, and building stronger, more connected communities through arts and culture. In my work with the IAC, this translates to service to Indiana artists, organizations, and communities through funding, capacity building, partnerships, and research.
Q: How has this interpretation impacted your career?
A: My interpretation of arts administration has directed my internship and career choices as I am drawn to opportunities that allow me to serve my fellow Hoosiers. I am energized by work that utilizes the power of art and creativity to strengthen the fabric of Indiana communities.
Nicolas Gonzalez—Community Engagement & Education Manager, Stamford Symphony
Q: What is your personal philosophy of arts administration?
A: My personal philosophy of arts administration is that we should use the arts to ensure all members of our community can participate and enjoy in our various art. I am always thinking about who we program for, who we want to program with, and how do we address these needs together. The arts help people with so many different things – creativity, healing, socializing; yet there are so many barriers to access these benefits. I strive to always break down these barriers and find new ways where we can uplift people through the arts. And we can do this – if we prioritize it.
Q: How has this approach impacted your career?
A: This philosophy, along with keeping both an open and focused mindset, has given me the opportunity to work on some incredible projects and be a part of organizations bigger than myself. I worked on the Notes for Peace project for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which paired classical musicians with parents who lost loved ones to gun violence. Together, they wrote an original song to celebrate their life. I also was recently accepted into the next cohort of arts leaders of color through the Sphinx Organization. And my current role is trusting me to do new, innovative work with the community and schools. All of this would not be possible without my mentors at my past jobs, but also this unwavering dedication to always be of service to the communities we live and work in. And that’s the type of leader I want to be as I continue to advance in my career. No matter my title, role, or where I am, I will always do my best to lead with empathy, listen, and do something about it. And have fun along the way.