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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.