CI to Eye with Monica Holt

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.

What turns a live event into a cultural moment people never forget? David Jammy has some answers. As Executive Producer at Done+Dusted, he’s helped shape global broadcasts from the Emmys and Kennedy Center Honors to the Global Citizen Festival and the Mark Twain Prize. In this conversation, David traces his path from student activist in apartheid-era South Africa to producing events that capture history as it happens. He shares his storytelling philosophy, the challenge of turning fleeting moments into lasting television, and the behind-the-scenes story of the 2025 Mark Twain Prize honoring Conan O’Brien—a night that doubled as both a tribute and an act of resistance. It’s a reminder that live events aren’t just entertainment. They can be culture’s way of recording history in real time. ----- LINKS: Done+Dusted Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale (2013)   PBS | Jon Stewart Mark Twain Prize Acceptance Speech   Netflix | Conan O'Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor Variety | How Done+Dusted Found the Right Tone for Conan O’Brien’s Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize, as Both a Celebration and a Wake: ‘It Was So Cathartic’

AI is changing how we work. What does that mean for arts and culture? Jen Taylor, Capacity Interactive’s Director of AI Strategy and Integration, shares what her research with over 100 arts leaders and administrators reveals about where the field really stands with AI: a mix of curiosity, caution, and untapped opportunity. In this episode, Jen and Monica unpack how AI can save time for under-resourced teams, how organizations can build policies that align with their missions, and why the technology should amplify—not replace—human creativity. This episode is your guide to embracing AI without losing sight of what makes the arts human. LINKS: Capacity Interactive | AI Services and The State of the Arts in 2025 Report Nonprofit Quarterly | How Nonprofits Can Create Ethical AI Policies Reuters | ChatGPT sets record for fastest-growing user base The Marketing AI Institute | 2024 State of Marketing AI Report Anthropic | AI Fluency Course Punchdrunk

What happens when a cultural district leads a city’s revival? As President and CEO of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Kendra Whitlock Ingram is leading the cultural district through a new era of civic transformation—building public spaces, breaking down barriers to access, and reimagining what a cultural district can be. In this episode, Kendra and Monica Holt explore what it takes to lead complex institutions, foster inclusive programming, and make the arts central to a city’s future—not just its history. LINKS: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Magazine | Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Unveils Plans for the New ‘Arts Landing’ Downtown