CI to Eye with Monica Holt Alex Sarian on the Audacity of Relevance
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Nov 20, 2025 Alex Sarian, President and CEO of the Werklund Centre and author of The Audacity of Relevance, explores the evolving role of arts in society. He emphasizes that relevance is a responsibility, urging cultural leaders to listen to communities rather than relying on fixed mission statements. Alex discusses the transformative $700M expansion of the Werklund Centre, positioning it as a hub for both culture and community engagement. He advocates for programming that truly reflects what people value and shares insights on fostering collaboration in the arts sector.
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Childhood Moment That Sparked A Career
- Alex Sarian remembers being mesmerized by Phantom of the Opera as a child because stories could 'trick' the audience.
- That early experience explains his lifelong passion for arts education and young audiences.
Culture Isn't Always A Paywall
- Growing up in Argentina taught Alex that culture can be pervasive and free, not behind a paywall.
- He contrasts that with New York, where access felt limited despite the city's cultural wealth.
Humility Changes Institutional Accountability
- As an educator Alex learned humility: if learners don't receive the lesson, it's rarely their fault.
- He applies that to institutions, arguing they must own responsibility for how communities receive their work.
