CI to Eye with Monica Holt

It's Boot Camp week! In this special mini episode, Capacity's President Christopher Williams joins host Monica Holt to pull back the curtain on Boot Camp, the leading conference for arts and culture professionals. They dive into how this year's program came together, the sessions they're most excited about, and how courage and curiosity are the keys to a stronger sector. LINKS: Boot Camp 2025

Shanta Thake sees artistic curation as a practice rooted in curiosity and community connection. As the Ehrenkranz Chief Artistic Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Shanta is helping redefine what one of the world's most storied institutions can be. Since joining in 2021, she's helped usher in an era of experimentation and access to ensure the arts remain central to New York City's civic life. In this episode, Shanta reflects on what it means to democratize the programming process, how the arts contribute to community wellbeing, and why leading with curiosity sparks meaningful innovation. She also takes listeners behind the scenes of initiatives like Lincoln Center's West Side Expansion and Summer for the City—efforts rooted in humility, collaboration, and partnership with local communities. LINKS: Lincoln Center | A New West Side Lincoln Center | Summer for the City Citizen University | Power Walk Field Guide

For Rachel S. Moore, the arts aren't just a mirror for society. They're a means of shaping it. As President and CEO of The Music Center in Los Angeles, she oversees one of the largest performing arts centers in North America, stewarding $3 billion in county assets and programming that reaches hundreds of thousands of Angelenos each year. A former professional dancer with American Ballet Theatre (she's also its former CEO and executive director), Rachel brings an artist's discipline to leadership—and a belief that creativity and civic life are deeply intertwined. In this episode, Rachel shares what ballet has taught her about resilience and collaboration, how The Music Center works to stay accountable to its community, and why building relevance doesn't just sustain our organizations, but strengthens democracy itself. LINKS: The Music Center

Reimagining a centuries-old art form takes more than talent; it takes courage, curiosity, and a deep belief that tradition can evolve. Few embody that spirit like Babatunde Akinboboye. A classically trained baritone and viral "hip hopera" artist, Babatunde is redefining what opera can sound like—and who it's for. His mashups of rap and arias have captivated millions online, and garnered attention from The Ellen Show, America's Got Talent and TIME Magazine. He's now channeling that distinctive style into his upcoming debut album. In this episode, Babatunde shares how he discovered opera by chance, what it took to find his artistic voice in a space that didn't always reflect him, and how blending genres can make opera feel newly accessible. He also offers insight into building genuine audience connections and broadening ideas of what great music can be. LINKS: Babatunde Akinboboye TIME Magazine | Hero Masterfully Creates His Own Hip-Hopera While Driving Inclusive Therapists

Tom Gabbard, a longtime arts leader and CEO of Blumenthal Performing Arts in Charlotte, NC, discusses the transformative impact of performing arts centers on city identity. He shares insights on balancing commercial success with community needs through innovative programs like Bloom Studios, an arts R&D lab. Tom highlights the importance of local artists in commercial shows and how immersive experiences can deepen audience engagement. He emphasizes curiosity and collaboration as keys to shaping vibrant cultural landscapes.

Jane Raleigh, former Director of Dance Programming at the Kennedy Center and founder of DC Dance Network, discusses her journey in transforming dance to include both classical and contemporary art forms. She shares insights on engaging diverse audiences while bridging traditional divides, emphasizing local artist support and community-driven initiatives. Jane highlights the importance of resilient arts infrastructure and the need for incremental change in programming, all while fostering deep connections within the dance community.

Audiences don't just want to watch theater; they want to step inside it. Few people understand that better than casting director Kate Lumpkin. Kate has become a go-to voice in immersive performance, shaping productions that dissolve the line between stage and audience. Her latest project? Masquerade NYC: an immersive Phantom of the Opera revival now running Off Broadway. For Kate, immersive work isn't a trend. It's a response to what audiences are hungry for: connection, participation, and community. Her vision flips the question from "How do we fill the seats?" to "How do we open the doors wider?" LINKS: Kate Lumpkin Casting Masquerade NYC James Madison University | School of Theater and Dance

Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council and former creative performer, discusses the importance of integrating arts into public policy. He emphasizes the need for artists and institutions to collaborate with government for community improvement. Bobbitt shares insights on the Massachusetts arts prescribing program, which connects arts to healthcare benefits. He also advocates for arts leaders to engage with legislators and foster cross-sector partnerships to enhance the sector's political power and visibility.

Macy Schmidt, founder of The Sinfonietta and CEO of Overture Global Entertainment, is a trailblazer in live orchestral design with a focus on audience engagement. She shares how her childhood love for Disney fueled her creative journey and reflects on her work launching women-led orchestras to enhance representation. The discussion highlights her innovative Macy Method and the bold pitch to Mattel that led to Barbie the Movie in Concert, showcasing the blend of niche art with mainstream culture and the emotional impact of immersive performances.

In this engaging discussion, Erin Harkey, CEO of Americans for the Arts and former cultural policy shaper in Chicago, tackles the pressing challenges facing the arts today. She reveals her unexpected initiation into arts advocacy amidst funding cuts and emphasizes the critical role of community and public support. Erin highlights joy as a form of resistance and shares practical advice for sustaining arts initiatives. Listeners learn about the economic impact of the arts and the transformative power of cultural experiences in uniting people.