Stay ConnectedThis is arts and culture. Unfiltered. Unscripted.
Formerly known as CI to Eye, Arts Unscripted with Monica Holt is a trove of meaningful interviews with executives, artists, and experts across industries. Together with Monica, we’ll explore the way innovation, leadership, and joy drive our industry forward.
AI is changing how we work. What does that mean for arts and culture? Jen Taylor, Capacity Interactive's Director of AI Strategy and Integration, shares what her research with over 100 arts leaders and administrators reveals about where the field really stands with AI: a mix of curiosity, caution, and untapped opportunity.
In this episode, Jen and Monica unpack how AI can save time for under-resourced teams, how organizations can build policies that align with their missions, and why the technology should amplify—not replace—human creativity. This episode is your guide to embracing AI without losing sight of what makes the arts human.
LINKS:
Capacity Interactive | AI Services and The State of the Arts in 2025 Report
Nonprofit Quarterly | How Nonprofits Can Create Ethical AI Policies
Reuters | ChatGPT sets record for fastest-growing user base
The Marketing AI Institute | 2024 State of Marketing AI Report
What happens when a cultural district leads a city's revival? As President and CEO of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Kendra Whitlock Ingram is leading the cultural district through a new era of civic transformation—building public spaces, breaking down barriers to access, and reimagining what a cultural district can be.
In this episode, Kendra and Monica Holt explore what it takes to lead complex institutions, foster inclusive programming, and make the arts central to a city's future—not just its history.
LINKS:
Pittsburgh Magazine | Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Unveils Plans for the New 'Arts Landing' Downtown
Can legacy arts institutions innovate like start-ups? Clive Chang thinks so. As President and CEO of YoungArts, he's reimagining how a 40-year-old organization can support today's multi-disciplinary artists—by questioning everything, embracing experimentation, and making space for creative risk.
In this conversation, Clive and host Monica Holt unpack how to disrupt old habits, build a culture of curiosity, and keep tradition from becoming inertia.
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A bold new chapter. A brilliant new voice. CI's President Christopher Williams kicks off a new season of CI to Eye by welcoming Monica Holt, this season's host and Senior Advisor to Capacity Interactive. Monica reflects on her 16-year journey at the Kennedy Center, the passion that's driven her work, and all things Evita—plus what to expect from upcoming episodes.
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LINKS:
New York Times | 'Just in Time' Review: Jonathan Groff Channels Bobby Darin
NPR | This summer's most talked-about performance on London's West End isn't onstage
Forbes | Trump Takes Over Kennedy Center In War On 'Woke' Programming—Here's What To Know
Marketing and development teams in arts and cultural organizations work toward the same goals: generating revenue, deepening relationships, and advancing the mission. But too often, they're doing that work in silos—on separate timelines, using different tools, and speaking to the same audiences in different ways. The result? Missed opportunities and diminished impact.
In this episode, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's Director of Marketing, Jeanna Vella, and Director of Development, Sara Clark, share what happens when we break down silos and create true cross-departmental partnerships. They reveal the tools and tactics that keep their teams aligned, the hurdles they've worked through, and what any organization can do to build stronger alignment between marketing and development.
CI to Eye Interview (time) - Dan sits down with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to discuss their experience breaking down silos and creating true cross-departmental partnerships.
CI-lebrity Sightings (time) - Dan shares his favorite stories of CI clients in the news. This episode spotlights Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Atlanta Ballet.
LINKS:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
The Violin Channel | Baltimore Symphony Receives $5m Gift Towards Family and Educational Programming
WLWT News | Cincinnati Art Museum planning expansion to make Art Climb more accessible
TODAY | 100-year-old ballet instructor shares his 3 simple tips for a long, healthy life
Recent political developments in the U.S.—from executive orders to proposed agency closures and evolving federal funding guidelines—have placed cultural organizations at the center of a national conversation about how institutions uphold their values and navigate their role in a rapidly changing America.
In this episode, Brett Egan of the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management breaks down what's happening now, what's at stake, and where cultural organizations might find unexpected opportunity in the turbulence.
CI to Eye with Brett Egan (1:30) -- CI's President (Interim) Christopher Williams sits down with Brett Egan, President of the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management. They discuss how to prepare for threats to the arts and cultural industry, and rethink what resilience means moving forward.
CI-lebrity Sightings (31:55) -- Dan Titmuss shares his favorite stories about CI clients in the news. This month's episode spotlights The Juilliard School, Louisville Orchestra, and San Diego Theatres.
LINKS:
DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management
Capacity Interactive | The Arts and Culture Sector is Facing a Funding Squeeze in 2025
New York Times | Juilliard Plans $550 Million Drive to Go Tuition Free
Sentinel News | Louisville Orchestra bring classical music to all corners of Kentucky
Broadway World | San Diego Civic Theatre Will Get $7.5 Million Renovation
Great experiences don't happen by accident—they're designed with intention. From the first click on a website to the moment a visitor steps through your door to engagement after they leave, every interaction shapes how people feel about an organization. So what does it take to create a truly exceptional guest experience?
Emily O'Hara, Senior Director of Guest Experience at the Detroit Zoological Society, thinks about this every day. In this episode, she shares how the Detroit Zoo fosters personal connections and creates a welcoming, engaging environment for every guest. We explore practical strategies for delivering wildly good experiences that turn visitors into raving (and returning) fans.
CI to Eye with Emily O'Hara (1:30) – Dan and Emily discuss the growing importance of hospitality in arts and culture, making our venues more accessible with thoughtful accommodations, and the magic of penguin exhibits.
CI-lebrity Sightings (41:00) – Dan shares his favorite stories of CI clients in the news. This episode's roundup includes ArtsEmerson, Boston Ballet, The Children's Theater of Cincinnati, The Huntington Theatre, and San Francisco Symphony.
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LINKS:
WBUR | Free tickets drop for Boston kids as performance arts venues join city program
Broadway World | The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati Receives $2 Million Anonymous Challenge Gift
As we face growing political tensions in the U.S. and unprecedented government interference in arts and culture programming, sustaining our commitments to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility (DEIBA) is more critical than ever. Recent executive actions have limited resources for our industry and further silenced historically excluded voices in our field. As these challenges mount, we must find new ways to advocate, collaborate, and ensure our work remains inclusive.
This episode revisits a powerful conversation with Dr. Evelyn Carter from June 2023 about what it takes to uphold DEIBA commitments when the going gets tough. Dr. Carter shares heartening advice and actionable strategies for arts and cultural administrators to meet this moment with purpose and resilience.
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SEGMENTS:
CI to Eye Interview (3:00) - Dan sits down with social psychologist Dr. Evelyn Carter to discuss the unique DEIBA challenges and opportunities we face in the arts and entertainment industry. Dr. Carter shares expert tips for living our values, creating welcoming environments, and addressing implicit bias in the workplace and beyond.
CI-lebrity Sightings (54:10) - Dan recaps his favorite stories of CI clients in the news. This month's newsmakers include Detroit Symphony Orchestra, NYU Skirball, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Musical Instrument Museum, Los Angles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Pittsburgh Symphony.
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LINKS:
NPR | 'Chilling effect': Arts organizations react to end of DEI initiatives from fed agency
CBS News | How Trump is reshaping the Kennedy Center, moving away from "woke culture"
CI to Eye | Sustaining DEIBA Commitments
WHYY | From a childhood dream to leading orchestras: The power of music education
New York Times | 'How Did I Get Here?' 7 Days in the Life of a Busy Arts Programmer
USA Today | 10 best music museums in the US that will rock your world
In this episode, we revisit some of the most powerful insights from last year's guests to inspire and guide the year ahead. This isn't just a look back—it's a call to action for our industry. Listen as fourteen cultural leaders remind us why the arts matter and how we can continue to push boundaries, build connections, and lead with purpose.
The end of the year is a busy time for arts administrators, packed with holiday campaigns and fundraising deadlines. With so much happening, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. So today we're taking a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with our "why."
In this episode, we revisit a popular Boot Camp 2024 conversation with CI President Priya Iyer Doshi and Terri Freeman, President of The Lewis Museum, about purpose-driven leadership and the resilience of our industry. Then, we ask arts administrators to reflect on their year and what's fueling their passion in 2025. It will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and ready to tackle what's ahead.
CI to Eye with Terri Freeman (1:30) - Live from Boot Camp 2024, CI President Priya Iyer Doshi sits down with Terri Freeman, President of The Lewis Museum. Together they discuss purpose-driven leadership, resilience, and navigating uncertainty with clarity. It's a timely conversation and a powerful reminder of the importance of our work.
Ask The Industry (59:30) - Dan takes his microphone to the Boot Camp floor to ask arts administrators about their year in review. They share their excitements, challenges, and what's keeping them inspired as we roll into 2025. Listen for familiar voices from Acadiana Center for the Arts, ArtOps, ArtsWave, Ballet BC, Carnegie Hall, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Charleston Gaillard Center, Cincinnati Arts Association, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Houston Ballet, Huntington Theatre Company, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Madison Symphony Orchestra, New York Theatre Workshop, Paper Mill Playhouse, Proctors Collaborative, Signature Theatre, Trinity Rep, University Musical Society, YoungArts, and ZACH Theatre.
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