11 - Ilona Schmiel on Audience Development, Negotiation, and the Future of Concerts

11 - Ilona Schmiel on Audience Development, Negotiation, and the Future of Concerts

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 ever in a digital age. More about the podcast: ⁠⁠https://www.tasm.studio/⁠⁠ Guest photo: © Gaetan Bally

10 - Ute Weingarten on PR, USP, and the Art of Cultural Communication

Ute Weingarten, founder and managing director of ARTPRESS, 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 force. More about the podcast: ⁠https://www.tasm.studio/ [https://www.tasm.studio/]⁠ Guest photo: © Andrey Gordasevich

9 - Marie-Louise Stille on Cultural Education, Mentorship and Building Sustainable Careers

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 reflects on mentorship—both as a mentee in the German Cultural Council’s program and as a co-founder of the Women in Arts and Media network. More about the podcast: ⁠https://www.tasm.studio/⁠ Guest photo: © Damián Canteros

8 - Alexandra Solea on Cultural Management Education, Leadership Skills, and Breaking Entry Barriers

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 cultural policy, legislation, and entry-level barriers that many aspiring and emerging arts managers face.More about the podcast: ⁠https://www.tasm.studio/⁠Guest photo: © Marius Baragan

7 - Dr. Cornelie Kunkat on Mentorship, Equality, and Building Networks

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 professional life, and the transformations facing cultural organizations today. More about the podcast: https://www.tasm.studio/ [https://www.tasm.studio/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Guest photo: © Kurbanov und Muchnik GbR