CI to Eye with Monica Holt

Join host Monica Holt as she reflects on the moments that defined the Fall 2025 season, and hear cultural leaders remind us why connection, creativity, and collaboration are more important than ever.

Aly Maier Lokuta is an arts and well-being leader at NJPAC, known for bridging the gap between arts and health. In this engaging conversation, Aly discusses the power of arts prescribing (ArtsRx) and shares how cultural institutions can enhance community health. She reflects on her work with NYC Health + Hospitals, the importance of systemic changes post-pandemic, and robust evidence linking arts participation to improved health outcomes. Aly also offers practical advice for organizations looking to integrate arts into health initiatives.

Ming Min Hui, the Executive Director of Boston Ballet, combines a unique blend of finance and arts leadership. She shares her journey from Wall Street to the ballet stage, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and courage. Ming discusses how ballet shaped her discipline and confidence, and reflects on the value of diverse career paths. She highlights collaborative problem-solving, the need for equity and inclusion in arts, and her vision for a relevant ballet company that inspires future generations.

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.

Deborah F. Rutter, a seasoned arts leader and former President of the Kennedy Center, shares her insights on leading through disruption. She reflects on her early musical journey and how arts administration became her passion. Rutter explores the balance of aesthetic curiosity and data-driven decisions in programming, and the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. She discusses her transition to Duke University, her proudest moments at the Kennedy Center, and calls on arts organizations to remain resilient in storytelling and support for artists.

In this engaging discussion, Christopher Williams, President of Capacity Interactive, shares his insights on the upcoming Boot Camp conference for arts professionals. He reflects on the evolution of the event, from its humble beginnings to a forum tackling courage and curiosity in leadership. Christopher emphasizes the importance of art in tough times and highlights how creativity can flourish through learning from different industries. He also touches on the impact of new tech and decentralized platforms, ultimately urging arts leaders to embrace courage and curiosity.

Shanta Thake, Chief Artistic Officer at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, shares her vision for democratizing arts programming and enhancing community connection. She discusses transformative initiatives like Summer for the City, aimed at boosting civic engagement through arts. Shanta reflects on her journey from the Public Theater to Lincoln Center, emphasizing collaboration over silos and the importance of community input in projects like the West Side Expansion. Her insights highlight the vital role of the arts in promoting wellbeing and innovation in a post-pandemic landscape.

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.