The Art She Manages

Ilona Schmiel, Chief Executive Officer of the Tonhalle-Gesellschaft Zürich, shares her trajectory from studying cultural management in post-Wall Berlin to becoming a powerhouse leader in the performing arts. In this episode, we explore the art of high-stakes negotiation, strategies for building audience trust in contemporary repertoire, and why the shared live experience is more essential than eve...

Ute Weingarten, founder and managing director of ART PRESS, a Berlin-based PR agency working with leading European museums and festivals, shares her journey from art history in Paris to founding her own PR agency. In this episode, we explore how cultural institutions can stand out in a saturated landscape, why defining a clear USP is essential, and how PR and marketing are becoming one strategic f...

Marie-Louise Stille, Associate Artist Manager at Ekkehard Jung Artists & Projects in Berlin, shares her journey from Argentina to Europe’s cultural capitals and her path from theatre to concert agencies. In this episode, we dive into how agencies really work, what artists need to know when reaching out, and why strategy and teamwork are crucial for sustainable careers. Marie-Louise also reflec...

Alexandra Solea, cultural manager, academic, and director of the Arts and Cultural Management Master’s program at Rome Business School, shares her journey from international productions and cultural diplomacy to shaping the next generation of cultural leaders. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of cultural management education, the essential skills future leaders need, and the realities of...

Dr. Cornelie Kunkat, cultural consultant and founder of the mentoring program for women in arts and media at the German Cultural Council, shares her path from studying American Studies, Politics, and Philosophy to shaping cultural policy and now advising institutions on leadership and strategy. In this episode, we discuss the power of mentorship, why equality in private life matters as much as in...

Britta Aliena Horwath, Dance Director at Theater Osnabrück in Germany, shares her path from studying cultural and media education to becoming a dance manager and, shortly after, directing the company. In this episode, we discuss the challenges of stepping into leadership during a time of transition, the importance of empathy and structure in ensemble work, and how she supports dancers both on and...

Giuliana Zanoni, Senior Manager of Artistic Planning and Operations at Washington National Opera, shares her journey from being an oboe player to working as executive assistant to then-intendant of Teatro alla Scala, Dominique Meyer, and eventually moving across continents to establish her career at Washington National Opera. A must-listen for all aspiring arts managers and for anyone interested i...

Rose Hunt, Managing Director of the Kammerphilharmonie Frankfurt, shares her journey from flutist to orchestra leader and offers an honest look at the realities of working in Germany’s independent music scene. She talks about building trust as a young leader, balancing artistic and financial pressures, and why soft skills matter more than ever. A must-listen for anyone curious about the next gener...

Valentina Georgoulopoulos is one of the most fierce advocates for arts inclusion and education of her generation. She studied law with a focus on human rights before pivoting from the corporate world at Mercedes-Benz into the cultural sector. She’s led programs for nonprofits, collaborated with top orchestras like the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and Camerata Salzburg, and uses the arts to build inclu...

Julie Martin du Theil is an internationally acclaimed opera singer and co-founder of a boutique opera agency “AterMIS”. With an artistic career that has taken her to prestigious stages such as Staatsoper Stuttgart, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Semperoper Dresden and Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Julie brings a dual perspective as both a celebrated performer and a cultural entrepreneur. Holding a law degree...

Annette Weber-Hussain is the Opera Director at the Zurich Opera House, with an extensive background in stage direction and a strong dedication to mentoring the next generation of artists. She is one of the leading figures in the opera world and a regular jury member at internationally acclaimed competitions such as Operalia, the Queen Sonja Competition, and the Tenor Viñas Competition. In this epi...