Culture Under Fire

Episode 20: Stagecraft & Statecraft: The Politics of Performance

Jeff Perlman, an artist and former policymaker, joins the conversation to discuss advocacy, censorship, and the critical role artistic freedom plays in sustaining democracy.

Episode 19: Tourism, TDCs, and the Arts Economy

What keeps people coming back to Florida? Marjorie explores how arts and culture drive Florida’s $100B+ tourism economy. Milton Segarra shares how cultural programming strengthens destinations and keeps visitors coming back.

Episode 18: Song, Story, and Staying Power: Ann Hampton Callaway on the Art of Performance

In this episode of Culture Under Fire, Marjorie welcomes internationally acclaimed vocalist, songwriter, and performer Ann Hampton Callaway for a conversation about the discipline and imagination behind a lasting career. From concert halls to intimate stages, Ann has built a body of work rooted in musical excellence, wit, and emotional connection. Together, they explore what it means to interpret familiar songs in fresh ways, how an artist sustains a voice over time, and why live performance continues to matter in a fast-moving world.

Episode 17: Why Sponsors Say Yes to the Arts

Marjorie speaks with arts supporters, April Marshall and Richard Lowenthal, whose generosity helps bring bold programming to the stage and meaningful experiences to the community. This conversation looks beyond the gift itself to examine the values, relationships, and sense of purpose behind philanthropic support. Why do sponsors choose to invest in the arts right now? What makes a show, an organization, or a mission feel worth championing? Together, they reflect on how private support helps create access, sustain ambition, and keep cultural life visible and alive.

Episode 16: What Board Service Really Means in the Arts

In this episode of Culture Under Fire, Marjorie sits down with Arts Garage board members Steve G. Rappaport and Elise Rubenstein to explore the role of board leadership in shaping a cultural institution. Beyond meetings and oversight, board service calls for advocacy, responsibility, and a belief in what the arts can do for a community. Together, they discuss what drew them to this work, what the public rarely sees behind the scenes, and why strong board leadership matters at a time when arts organizations are being asked to do more than ever.