Arts Entrepreneurship Podcast: Making Art Work

Today we released part one of our interview with Stephen Yusko. He’s a Cleveland-based artist who creates sculptures, furniture, and vessels, using mixed materials combined with forged, machined, and fabricated steel. Stephen also creates public art and jewelry.  He has taught at several schools and universities, including Haystack School of Crafts (ME), Penland School of Crafts (NC), and SUNY Purchase, where he was a Windgate Artist-in-Residence.  Stephen’s works have been in exhibits internationally, and among his many awards, he’s received four Ohio Arts Council Individual Artist Excellence Awards. Join us as we unpack the many aspects of being a working artist!  http://stephenyusko.com/ 

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with acclaimed pianist and chamber musician, Alon Goldstein. His artistic vision and innovative programming have made him a favorite with audiences and critics alike throughout the United States and around the world. He made his orchestral debut at the age of 18 with the Israel Philharmonic under the baton of Zubin Mehta and has performed with renown orchestras and conductors ever since.  If you’re interested in what it takes to be concert artist, from practicing, to programing to creating opportunities, you won’t want to miss our interview with Alon Goldstein! https://www.alongoldstein.com/ and https://gpftrio.com/

Alon invites us into his mindset when facing critiques and embarking on recording projects. Learn how he navigates the sea of opinions in the performing arts industry and his unique approach towards collaborating with labels and organizations. Alon underscores the importance of sharing ideas, listening to others, and making art more accessible.

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with acclaimed pianist and chamber musician, Alon Goldstein. His artistic vision and innovative programming have made him a favorite with audiences and critics alike throughout the United States and around the world. He made his orchestral debut at the age of 18 with the Israel Philharmonic under the baton of Zubin Mehta and has performed with renown orchestras and conductors ever since.  If you’re interested in what it takes to be concert artist, from practicing, to programing to creating opportunities, you won’t want to miss our interview with Alon Goldstein! https://www.alongoldstein.com/ and https://gpftrio.com/

Alon's inspiring journey embodies his unyielding commitment to his craft - a tenet that encourages going beyond the ordinary and giving it his absolute all. His unique philosophy of creating opportunities, rather than waiting for them to knock, is a powerful message for all aspiring artists and entrepreneurs in the arts.

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with  Dominic Moore-Dunson. He’s an award-winning professional dancer, producer, teaching artist and speaker.  Dominic is the co-founder of Moore-Dunson Co., a holding company committed to producing companies and brands helping its clients unlock their stories. As an artist, he’s in the 2023 Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” list; a Top 40 finalist for the National Dance Project Grant; a 2019 Jacob’s Pillow Choreography Fellow; and a 2019 Cleveland Arts Prize Winner. ​He unravels the unique challenges of running a nonprofit, the flexibility an LLC offers, and the dance between his roles as a performer and a creator.

Artists and creatives often shy away from embracing entrepreneurship, a notion Dominic challenges head-on. Our conversation traverses through the evolving demands of the modern world that necessitates artists to take on entrepreneurial roles, often frowned upon by traditional mentors. We lay bare the fear of the 'hustle culture' and the risk of being branded a 'sellout', while emphasizing how an entrepreneurial approach can uplift the artistic community and build an engaged audience.

Capping off this enlightening episode, Dominic shares his wisdom on preserving artistic integrity while creating marketable art. He divulges key insights into community engagement, resonating projects, and revenue streams beyond mere performances. Listen in as Dominic candidly shares his journey towards embracing the entrepreneurial spirit, and underscores the importance of authenticity in art. A must-listen for any artist grappling to harmonize their creative vision with financial survival.

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with  Dominic Moore-Dunson. He’s an award-winning professional dancer, producer, teaching artist and speaker.  Dominic is the co-founder of Moore-Dunson Co., a holding company committed to producing companies and brands helping its clients unlock their stories. As an artist, he’s in the 2023 Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” list; a Top 40 finalist for the National Dance Project Grant; a 2019 Jacob’s Pillow Choreography Fellow; and a 2019 Cleveland Arts Prize Winner. ​

From the soccer field to the dance floor, Dominic Moore-Dunson has an inspiring journey to share. With tap shoes he wore as a two-year-old, to being an award-winning professional dancer, Dominic's experiences speak of courage, commitment, and the will to follow one's passion. He takes us on an intimate journey through his life, detailing the arduous decision of choosing dance over soccer and the subsequent adaptation to the demanding lifestyle of a professional dancer.

One pivotal story from Dominic's life involves a taxing experience that tested his limits and led to the realization of his potential. His life lessons extend beyond the dance floor, as he talks about the influence of his soccer coach, who helped shape his detailed-oriented and accountable work ethic. Dominic stresses the role of expectations and a thorough understanding of a project's nuances in his artistic success, offering a fresh perspective that applies to not just artists, but also entrepreneurs and professionals from various fields.

The episode also delves into Dominic's creative process, as he shares the backstage experience of creating a podcast and a dance piece inspired by conversations around children's safety and police. He highlights how unexpected incidents can alter a project's focus and meaning, citing a specific incident in his community that shifted his work's focus. Dominic further unravels his strategies for meaningful collaborations, emphasizing the importance of understanding people to create larger, collective projects. This episode serves as a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice for anyone looking to navigate their creative journey.

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with International prize-winning violinist Ada Witczyk.   She’s a dual citizen of Poland and Britain, and is the recipient of numerous awards such as the Henry Wood Award, the Star Award by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, and the Margot MacGibbon Award.  As both a modern and baroque violinist, Ada has performed at many of the UK’s most prestigious venues and festivals including Buckingham Palace, Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican and Royal Albert Hall. Ada has performed with renowned ensembles such as the Gabrieli Consort, The English Concert, and The Academy of Ancient Music. 

Ada gives us a sneak peek into her fascinating world of music and business. Ada, a dual citizen of Poland and Britain, isn't just an ordinary violinist but an International Prize-winner who's now on a mission to promote baroque violin compositions. From booking concerts and negotiating contracts to managing logistics, Ada shines the spotlight on the challenging yet rewarding path of arts entrepreneurship.

Ada shares how she converted the hurdles on her path into stepping stones towards success. Ada's advice to budding artists and entrepreneurs alike is invaluable, highlighting the importance of real-life exposure and learning from professionals. She also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming album featuring five diverse artists and her intriguing film recording project. So, come, join us in this captivating journey and get inspired by Ada's passion and resilience.

This week on this podcast is part one of our interview with International prize-winning violinist Ada Witczyk.  She’s a dual citizen of Poland and Britain, and is the recipient of numerous awards such as the Henry Wood Award, the Star Award by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust, and the Margot MacGibbon Award.  As both a modern and baroque violinist, Ada has performed at many of the UK’s most prestigious venues and festivals including Buckingham Palace, Royal Festival Hall, the Barbican and Royal Albert Hall. Ada has performed with renowned ensembles such as the Gabrieli Consort, The English Concert, and The Academy of Ancient Music. 

Ada offers a unique perspective on the significance of supporting new music in a society that often favors the old. She delves into her own experiences of inspiring over 150 compositions for the Baroque violin, and shares her insights on the contrast between period and modern instruments. Our conversation also explores the importance of new music for period instruments, shedding light on Ada’s passion for the genre.

But that's not all! Ada also spills the tea on her experiences learning social media marketing and branding. As classical musicians navigate the digital age, she offers her insights on how to connect with new audiences and break free from the perfectionism that can sometimes hinder creativity. Finally, we reflect on the role of mistakes in creating compelling narratives in music and beyond. As always, we appreciate your support for the podcast be it through tuning in, subscribing or spreading the word. Join us for this must-listen episode that promises to intrigue both music enthusiasts and budding artists!

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with Kate Schroeder and her husband Thayer Bray. Kate is the artist behind Kate Schroeder Ceramics, whose works are in collections around the globe. Before becoming a full-time artist, she spent nearly a decade as an educator, and spent several years working in non-profits. She also managed Accessible Arts, a not-for-profit arts organization which specialized in teaching art to people with disabilities. Thayer is a printmaker with experience as a shop assistant at the Lawrence Lithography Workshop, a gallery assistant at Crane Yard Clay, and teaches bookbinding, papermaking, and lithography workshops. Thayer also helps with many aspects of the ceramics business. Join us as we touch upon a wide variety of entrepreneurial activities in this interview.

Join us as we engage with Kate Schrader and Thayer Bray, who transformed Kate's love for art into a thriving enterprise, Kate Schrader Ceramics. We traverse their journey from selling directly to customers to expanding into B2B selling, and discuss how Kate's lively personality has contributed to their successful navigation through the art entrepreneurship landscape.

Learn about the challenges of selling art online, the complexities of mission-driven and product-driven businesses, and how setting up a retirement plan can ease tax burdens and aid in future planning. 

Finally, Kate and Thayer share their top advice and lessons learned on making art more accessible and reaching a wider audience, and more. They emphasize the importance of starting with online selling, being unafraid to ask questions, and offering lower threshold educational experiences. Tune in and get inspired to explore your artistic passions!

This week on the podcast is part one of our interview with Kate Schroeder and her husband Thayer Bray. Kate is the artist behind Kate Schroeder Ceramics, whose works are in collections around the globe. Before becoming a full-time artist, she spent nearly a decade as an educator, and spent several years working in non-profits. She also managed Accessible Arts, a not-for-profit arts organization which specialized in teaching art to people with disabilities. Thayer is a printmaker with experience as a shop assistant at the Lawrence Lithography Workshop, a gallery assistant at Crane Yard Clay, and teaches bookbinding, papermaking, and lithography workshops. Thayer also helps with many aspects of the ceramics business. Join us as we touch upon a wide variety of entrepreneurial activities in this interview.

In this episode:
Sometimes, life throws you a curveball, and for Kate, it came in the form of a viral video. What followed was a whirlwind of fulfilling orders and managing the chaos that follows internet fame. Through it all, it was her small but dedicated team that stepped up to meet the demand. From discussing her successful Braille jewelry line to her popular mini mountain burners, Kate shares the evolution of her production line. With a balance of fine art and production, the conversation traverses the highs and lows of the artistic journey and the surprising pathway to entrepreneurship.

This week on the podcast is part two of our interview with British conductor, Timothy Redmond. He’s a regular guest conductor with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Manchester Camerata, and Professor of Conducting at the Guildhall School of London and a visiting tutor at the Royal Academy of Music. Tim is also the Principal Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s Know The Score ®concerts and Co-Creator of Royal Albert Hall’s My Great Orchestral Adventure.™ Passionate about training future conductors, is the co-founder of the international conducting course "And Other Duties."

In this episode:
We take a thrilling journey into Redmond's creative process, how he brings concerts alive and makes the orchestra the star of the show - all with a dash of imagination. Our conversation doesn't stop at the art of music, we also dive into the heart of music education and the future of orchestras. Tim shares his unique approach to conducting family and education shows, revealing how to strike a balance that allows both the orchestra and presenter to shine. We also hit on the changing tides of classical music and the art of networking for young conductors. But we don't shy away from the hard parts - managing difficult musicians, the role of psychology in it, and the challenges of being an arts entrepreneur. Yet, with Tim's invaluable artistic and entrepreneurial advice, we learn that the rewards are worth the hurdles, and above all, the importance of making arts accessible to all. So sit back and let the orchestra play on!