Back

Explore every episode of the podcast U-M Creative Currents

Dive into the complete episode list for U-M Creative Currents. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

Rows per page:

1–30 of 30

TitlePub. DateDuration
Beyond Graduation: How the Arts Shape Careers with Tony DeRosa & Anna Garcia25 Jun 202600:22:39

In this special Alumni Edition of Creative Currents, host Mark Clague sits down with two University of Michigan alumni who have built careers rooted in creativity, collaboration, and saying "yes" to the unexpected.

Tony DeRosa, co-founder of Ann Arbor's Hear.Say Brewing, shares how a career in leadership development at Google led him back to Michigan to create a brewery where craft beer, improv comedy, and community come together. Actor and comedian Anna Garcia reflects on her journey from U-M to television, film, and the national improv scene, including roles in Fly Me to the Moon, Hacks, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Party Down, and Die Hart.

Together, Tony and Anna explore how the arts continue to shape their work long after graduation—from building confidence and embracing uncertainty to strengthening communication, leading teams, creating community, and forging unconventional career paths. Whether you're pursuing the arts professionally or simply looking to bring more creativity into your life, this conversation is a reminder that the skills developed through artistic practice extend far beyond the stage and well beyond your undergraduate experience.

This episode launches Creative Currents: Alumni Edition, a special two-part miniseries that previews a larger October series released during the Michigan Arts Festival, spotlighting alumni, entrepreneurs, comedians, and creative changemakers. Together, these conversations explore one central question: You studied the arts at Michigan—now what?

In this episode:

  • Why improv is about much more than comedy
  • How creativity fuels leadership, entrepreneurship, and creative innovation
  • Building community through collaboration and shared experiences
  • Navigating nonlinear careers and embracing unexpected opportunities
  • Advice for current students on taking creative risks after graduation
  • The launch of the inaugural Yes, Ann Improv Festival 

Production Note: Creative Currents is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Brian Lillie.


Film 101: Colin Gunckel21 Oct 202500:30:08

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague sits down with historian and professor Colin Gunckel from the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science and the Arts. Gunckel is a faculty member in both the Program in American Culture and the Department of Film, Television, and Media (FTVM), where he also serves as department chair.

Colin shares insights from his extensive experience teaching film and media studies. As a historian specializing in Latinx media and art, Latin American cinema, and popular culture linking the U.S. and Mexico, he brings a rich transnational perspective to his work. His book Mexico on Main Street: Transnational Film Culture in Los Angeles before World War II (Rutgers University Press, 2015) explores the relationship between Mexican audiences, the rise of Hollywood, and the development of Mexican cinema.

This fall, students across U-M will collaborate with internationally acclaimed performer and filmmaker John Cameron Mitchell—visiting faculty in LSA’s FTVM Department—through the Arts Initiative’s Student Creative Fellowship program. Their work will culminate in a public showcase on November 16.

Additional Show Links:

Related episodes:

*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series and is edited by Sly Pup Productions.


Wallace House Arts Journalism Fellowship: Anastasia Tsioulcas, 2024-2506 May 202500:25:35

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, we sit down with NPR’s correspondent and New York Times classical music critic Anastasia Tsioulcas—an award-winning journalist who has shaped national conversations around music, identity, and culture. As the inaugural Knight-Wallace Arts Journalism Fellow at the University of Michigan, Anastasia brings a unique perspective on the evolving role of arts journalism in a shifting media landscape.

Whether you're a journalist, arts enthusiast, educator, or student, this conversation offers a powerful reminder of why arts journalism and criticism still matters.


Bridging Art and Science01 Apr 202500:22:00

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague explores the intersection of art and science through a unique campus collaboration at the University of Michigan.

Joining the conversation are Professor Todd Allen, Department Chair of U-M’s Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS), and Devin Wright, a Michigan-based artist and illustrator. Together, they discuss their recent project—a student-designed mural in the NERS building on North Campus—that brings scientific concepts to life through visual storytelling.

Professor Allen, a leading expert in nuclear energy, shares insights on how interdisciplinary partnerships like this one can spark new ways of thinking. Meanwhile, Wright, a graduate of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, reflects on the power of art to communicate complex ideas and foster engagement in unexpected spaces.





Impossible Conversations (Part 2)01 Apr 202500:15:35

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague continues the conversation with artist and filmmaker David Chung, professor at U-M’s Stamps School of Art & Design.

Building on Part 1, this discussion delves deeper into Impossible Conversations, exploring themes of restorative justice and the personal transformations that can arise when individuals with opposing ideologies find a way to communicate. 

Professor Chung’s work focuses on how identities are shaped in immigrant communities and the challenges of refugees as they integrate into new homelands. Chung’s work has been exhibited at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the Asia Society, the Walker Arts Center, the Wadsworth Atheneum, Project Rowhouses, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Gwangju Bienniale, the Tretyakov Gallery of Art (Moscow), the Williams College Museum of Art, and in a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.




Artist Pay Project01 Apr 202500:32:32

Today on Creative Currents, you’ll learn all about how artists get paid. In this episode, Mark talked with Makeda Easter about her project “Making It: $napshots from the Artist Pay Project,” an anonymous journalistic series that explores how artists navigate financial realities. 

Makeda is an award-winning journalist and artist who works at the intersection of arts and social justice focusing on how to make artists' lives better. Makeda's work is a powerful blend of storytelling, activism, and cultural exploration. Her writing has appeared in publications such as: The Los Angeles Times, Dance Magazine, and American Theatre.

On this episode of U-M Creative Currents, we'll tackle questions like pay equity, working for exposure, and how to answer the question "Is the offer of this job worth my time?"

*Production note: Apologies about the audio quality on this episode—we ran into some technical difficulties during this recording.





Rick Lowe: Art as a Catalyst of Creativity, Community and Change18 Mar 202500:31:38

In this thought-provoking episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague welcomes a distinguished panel of guests at the intersection of art, social research, and community engagement: artist Rick Lowe, curator Abigail Winograd, professor Christian Davenport, and social scientist Kate Cagney. Together, they examine how art serves as a catalyst for social exploration, change, and collective storytelling.

As part of a unique collaboration between the Institute for Social Research (ISR) and the U-M Arts Initiative, Rick and Abigail are working alongside U-M students – through a class they’re co-teaching with Professor Davenport – and U-M faculty to create new artworks and an upcoming exhibition. Their work blurs the lines between artistic practice, historical critique, and community-driven social change.


Colorism: Art by Professor Rogerio Pinto05 Mar 202500:26:57

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, Mark Clague sits down with Professor Rogério Meireles Pinto, artist, scholar, and social worker, to discuss his powerful multimedia exhibit, Colorism. Through video, photography, sculpture, and audience interaction, Colorism questions the ways skin color has been used to assign value, separate communities, and reinforce biases—both across and within racial groups.

Pinto discusses his personal and professional journey, from growing up queer and poor under a dictatorship in Brazil to merging art and science in his work on social justice. He shares insights on how humor plays a role in his critique of racial constructs, the power of autoethnography in healing and activism, and why conversations about colorism are more relevant than ever.

About Our Guest:

  • Rogério Meireles Pinto is the University Diversity Social Transformation Professor, Berit Ingersoll-Dayton Collegiate Professor of Social Work, and Professor of Theatre and Drama at the University of Michigan. Born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, he uses art-based methods in community-engaged research in the U.S. and Brazil, focusing on improving healthcare access for marginalized groups. His award-winning solo play Marília explores personal loss and identity, while his art installation Realm of the Dead examines his experiences as a gender non-conforming, mixed-race Latinx immigrant. His work has been presented internationally and funded by the NIH and other organizations.
  • Learn more about Colorism
  • Learn more about Rogério Pinto


Exploring Creative Careers: Meet the 2024-2025 Residents (Part 2)03 Mar 202500:24:49

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, we introduce listeners to the 2024-2025 Creative Careers Residents—Leah Crosby, Kara Roseborough, and sara faraj. Host Mark sits down with each resident to discuss their work, creative processes, and upcoming projects. From audio storytelling and jazz ballet to participatory photography, these artists and scholars are pushing boundaries in their respective fields.

Featured Guests & Projects:

  • Leah Crosby (MFA, Stamps School of Art & Design) – Crosby’s project is titled "Three Times as Tightly" and is a three-part audio work that uses marine animals as symbols to explore human attachment and identity formation. The three chapters include The Anglerfish, The Axolotl, and The Marine Iguana.

  • Kara Roseborough (MFA in Dance, SMTD) – Roseborough is developing a jazz ballet “La Vie en Rose,” which chronicles the journey of a small-town Black waitress with dreams of dancing in New York City. The piece examines issues of race and gender as they pertain to an artist’s journey and incorporate the history of Black people in southeast Michigan.

  • sara faraj (Master of Urban & Regional Planning, Taubman College) – Faraj facilitated Photovoice workshops in 2024-2025 to cultivate space for liberatory education and collective reflection for social change. The Photovoice methodology, which was developed by Caroline C. Wang and Mary Ann Burris, includes photography training, ethical considerations of photography, direction and narrative development through reflection and collaborative activities.

Relevant Links:


Exploring Creative Careers: Meet the 2024-2025 Residents (Part 1)03 Mar 202500:33:57

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, we introduce listeners to the 2024-2025 Creative Careers Residents—Leah Crosby, Kara Roseborough, and sara faraj. Host Mark sits down with each resident to discuss their work, creative processes, and upcoming projects. From audio storytelling and jazz ballet to participatory photography, these artists and scholars are pushing boundaries in their respective fields.

Featured Guests & Projects:

  • Leah Crosby (MFA, Stamps School of Art & Design) – Crosby’s project is titled "Three Times as Tightly" and is a three-part audio work that uses marine animals as symbols to explore human attachment and identity formation. The three chapters include The Anglerfish, The Axolotl, and The Marine Iguana.

  • Kara Roseborough (MFA in Dance, SMTD) – Roseborough is developing a jazz ballet “La Vie en Rose,” which chronicles the journey of a small-town Black waitress with dreams of dancing in New York City. The piece examines issues of race and gender as they pertain to an artist’s journey and incorporate the history of Black people in southeast Michigan.

  • sara faraj (Master of Urban & Regional Planning, Taubman College) – Faraj facilitated Photovoice workshops in 2024-2025 to cultivate space for liberatory education and collective reflection for social change. The Photovoice methodology, which was developed by Caroline C. Wang and Mary Ann Burris, includes photography training, ethical considerations of photography, direction and narrative development through reflection and collaborative activities.

Relevant Links:


Impossible Conversations (Part 1)06 Feb 202500:27:24

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague welcomes award-winning documentary filmmaker, Associate Dean of Research and Professor of Documentary Practices at London College of Communication, Pratāp Rughani, to discuss his latest film installation and exhibition: Impossible Conversations.

The episode examines the complexities of restorative justice and the personal transformations that can arise when individuals with strongly opposing ideologies find a way to communicate. 

[Trigger Warning: This episode discusses themes of gun violence, white supremacy, hate crimes, and the 2012 Oak Creek Sikh Temple shooting. Listener discretion is advised.]

In part II, we’ll talk with ARIA recipient for this project and filmmaker, U-M Professor David Chung, who helped bring this film to life and to U-M’s Stamps Gallery. 


Disfluency08 Jan 202500:27:59

In today’s episode of U-M Creative Currents, we’re diving into the inspiring journey of two talented University of Michigan graduates—Anna Baumgarten ('15), writer and director, and Danny Mooney ('08), producer. Their award-winning feature film Disfluency is making waves on the film festival circuit and is gearing up for its wider release in theaters and on streaming platforms.

Disfluency follows Jane, a college student who, after failing her final class, returns to her family’s lake house to grapple with the trauma that derailed her senior year. As she confronts her past, she uncovers the complex layers of her emotional struggles. With over 12 U-M alumni contributing to the crew, this deeply personal project highlights the power of collaboration and storytelling.

Tune in to hear Anna and Danny discuss the creative process, the impact of their U-M education, and what it takes to bring a powerful, personal story to the screen.



Arts Research + Creative Practice: Clare Croft and Anne Mondro on U-M’s ARIA Program15 Oct 202500:28:52

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague talks with Clare Croft, Faculty Director of Research & Creative Practice for the U-M Arts Initiative, and Anne Mondro, visual artist and professor at the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design. This episode is part of Creative Currents’ special podcast series on the Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 – October 26, 2025).

Featured Programming & Highlights include:

  • ARIA Faculty Research Showcase, October 23 at 4 p.m., Michigan Union Ballroom
  • Faculty projects exploring art, health, design, and interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Works highlighted during the episode include: Mondro’s Tethered, Perpetual Sunshine & The Ghost Girls, The Heirloom Project, and Hygroscopic Envelope

Croft discusses how the Arts Research: Incubation & Acceleration (ARIA) program elevates creative practice as research, fostering new interdisciplinary partnerships across campus. Mondro shares insights on Tethered, her ARIA-funded project using woven metal forms to explore empathy, illness, and human connection through art.

*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series and is edited by Sly Pup Productions.


Perpetual Sunshine & the Ghost Girls10 Dec 202400:27:56

Today on U-M Creative Currents, you’ll learn all about how musicals get made. In this episode, we’re spotlighting one of our “Arts Research: Incubation & Acceleration” (ARIA) grant projects: Perpetual Sunshine & The Ghost Girls, a new musical theater work that tackles the exploitation of women workers in the early 20th century.

Mark talked with playwright-lyricist, Sara Cooper, whose recent works include the Broadway-bound show Silver Linings Playbook and HoT, and Lynne Shankel, a faculty member with School of Music, Theater and Dance (SMTD) and a fantastic composer, orchestrator, and music supervisor whose Broadway credits include the shows Allegiance and Crybaby. 





saracooper.me

lynneshankel.com

https://www.lynneshankel.com/works/perpetual-sunshine-the-ghost-girls

https://research.umich.edu/arts-research-incubation-acceleration-aria/ 



Hey, We Need to Talk06 Nov 202400:24:25

Today on U-M Creative Currents, you’ll learn all about “social practice artist,” cultural strategist, and curator Philippa Hughes. The concept for this “social sculpture” exhibit, open at UMMA now through February 9, 2025, started in Hughes D.C. home in 2016. Hughes developing relational and creative experiences are aimed at strengthening democracy and repairing the social fabric of our country one conversation at a time. 

Hughes "Hey, We Need to Talk!" exhibition embodies the four pillars of flourishing outlined in U-M Professor Jenna Bednar's research – community, sustainability, dignity, and beauty. 

The exhibition runs at UMMA now through February 9, 2025. Listen today!

 



Campus Voting Project 31 Oct 202400:24:43

From making a personal voting plan and getting registered to vote, Mark Clague walks through the 2024 election hub at UMMA with Professors Stephanie Rowden and Hannah Smotrich to discuss the nonpartisan Creative Campus Voting Project on this episode of U-M Creative Currents.

Since 2018, the pair have been utilizing behavioral science insights and art and design to expand access to voting, create meaningful lifetime experiences for first-time voters, and demystify the overall voting process.

The UMMA space is open now for registration and early voting. 



Political Satire Meets Musical History29 Oct 202400:23:51

We're thrilled to have Andrew Kohler, Alfred and Jane Wolin Managing Editor, and Jacob Kerzner, Associate Editor, from the Gershwin Initiative join us on U-M Creative Currents to talk about the Gershwin brothers' musical masterpiece, Of Thee I Sing, taking stage November 3 at the Michigan Theater. With narration delivered by NPR and New York Times music journalist and U-M Arts Journalism Fellow Anastasia Tsioulcas, this very special election year presentation is one-night only.

Of Thee I Sing is a joint production and collaboration between Marquee Arts and the Gershwin Initiative at U-M, made possible through the generous support of the U-M Arts Initiative, Michigan Medicine, and Arbor Brewing Company. 

Visit marquee-arts.org for tickets and additional information.




Black Film Society: Lauren Horne25 Jun 202400:16:31

Tune in now for an inspiring conversation with U-M student Lauren Horne, a rising senior majoring in film and screenwriting in LSA's Department of Film, Television, and Media. As the co-president of the Black Film Society and a multifaceted artist, Lauren shares her journey from small-town Georgia to becoming a leader in Michigan's campus arts community.

In this episode, we explore:

Discover how the arts are empowering students, fostering community, and amplifying diverse voices at the University of Michigan. Whether you're a film enthusiast, aspiring artist, or simply curious about campus culture, this episode offers valuable insights into the transformative power of creativity in higher education.

Learn more about: 












Leading UMS and Innovating Campus Arts with Matthew VanBesien12 Jun 202400:29:56

On this episode of U-M Creative Currents, a podcast from the University of Michigan's Arts Initiative, host Mark Clague, a professor of musicology and arts leadership at U-M, is joined by a special guest, Matthew VanBesien, president of the acclaimed University Musical Society (UMS). VanBesien offers his unique perspective from leading one of the nation's oldest university-based performing arts presenters.

Founded in 1879, the historic UMS brings world-class music, dance, and theater to the University of Michigan’s campus and surrounding community. Matthew shares insights into the mission and multifaceted role UMS plays, serving students across all disciplines - from music, theater and dance majors to those studying engineering, medicine, history and more.

The conversation delves into what first drew Matthew, with his distinguished global arts leadership career, to the university setting after leading renowned organizations like the New York Philharmonic. He discusses the compelling opportunities and nuances of arts programming and engagement on a college campus.

Matthew offers a window into the big ideas and innovative initiatives UMS is currently pursuing, highlighting key programs that could serve as models for peer institutions. The dialogue also touches on Matthew's own personal journey into arts leadership and his perspectives on why the arts are vital within a major research university.

Learn more about UMS.


Illuminating the Role of University Art Museums with Christina Olsen05 Jun 202400:23:08

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on U-M Creative Currents, a podcast from the University of Michigan's Arts Initiative. In this episode, host Mark Clague sits down with Christina Olsen, Director of the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA).

With over 25 years of leadership experience at major museums and foundations like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the J. Paul Getty Museum, Tina offers a unique perspective on the vital role the arts play within a university setting.

In a wide-ranging discussion, Tina and Mark explore the mission and impact of UMMA on the campus and the surrounding community. They delve into how university museums differ from civic institutions, and how UMMA serves students across diverse disciplines, from art and design to literature, science, and beyond.

Tina shares her personal journey into the arts world and what drew her to arts leadership. She provides insight into the big ideas and challenges UMMA is currently grappling with, as well as innovative programs that could serve as models for other institutions.

Whether you're an art lover, a University of Michigan student, or simply curious about the intersection of arts and academia, this engaging episode promises to illuminate the enduring value of the arts within a major research university.

  • Learn more about UMMA 
  • Follow UMMA on Instagram
  • Learn more about Paul Farber
  • Learn more about Cannupa Hanska: GIFT




Creative Currents: President Santa Ono on the Arts26 Apr 202400:25:09

In this episode of Creative Currents, we sit down with 2022-2024 University of Michigan President Santa J. Ono to explore the role of the arts in his life and in the life of the university. A scientist, scholar, and accomplished cellist, President Ono shares how music shaped his path, how the arts continue to inspire him, and why he believes they are essential to a world-class education.

President Ono also reflects on his favorite musical works, the transformative power of the arts, and the joy of participating in U-M’s vibrant cultural community.

Listen now for an inspiring conversation that highlights why the arts matter—for individuals, for students, and for the university as a whole.



Music, Neuroscience, and Mental Health with Sasha Gusikhin22 Apr 202400:19:27

Today on U-M Creative Currents, we dive into the connection between music and mental health. Our guest, Sasha Gusikhin, is a third-year University of Michigan student double-majoring in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (BCN) and Voice Performance in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance.

Sasha is an arts organizer, vocalist, and multidisciplinary artist whose work bridges science and the arts to promote healing and awareness. She serves as executive director of the Aphasia Community Friendship Center of Michigan, where she integrates neuroscience and creative practice to support people with communication disorders. As a UMS 21st Century Artist Intern, she has collaborated with the Philadelphia Orchestra on arts-and-health programming, and she recently founded NeuroArts Productions, a new organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness and advocating for more precise treatments through the arts.


Pan African Creative Exchange With Nike Jonah & Erwin Maas17 Apr 202400:37:06

How might the arts foster intercultural appreciation and understanding? Can the arts serve as a global economic development tool? What can be done to amplify new voices speaking across international boundaries or offering new perspectives on differences, including race and gender? We’ll discuss these questions and more today on U-M Creative Currents, Michigan arts podcast.

In our very first episode host professor Mark Clague talks with Nike Jonah FRSA and Erwin Maas, our 2024 Visiting Artist Integration Program (VAIP) and U-M School of Social Work Artist Residents. Clague spoke with Jonah and Maas about their groundbreaking work through the Pan-African Creative Exchange (PACE) and what they're doing on campus this spring and fall.


U-M Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning: Anya Sirota07 Oct 202500:28:34

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Anya Sirota, designer, professor, and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Initiatives at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. This episode is part of Creative Currents’ podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 – October 26, 2025).

Featured Programming & Highlights include:

Anya discusses her role leading Akoaki, a design practice working at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and social engagement. She shares insights on the Detroit Cultural Center Initiative, the learning design of Taubman’s studios, and how architecture can foster civic imagination, equity, and collective expression.

*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series and is edited by Sly Pup Productions.


LSA’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program: Aaron Coleman07 Oct 202500:24:02

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague talks with Aaron Coleman, poet, translator, and professor of English and Comparative Literature in U-M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He also serves on the faculty of the U-M Helen Zell Writers’ Program. Coleman shares how poetry and translation shape his creative practice and how the Michigan literary community fosters dialogue across cultures and identities.

As part of the Michigan Arts Festival series, Aaron previews the Zell Visiting Writers Series, which welcomes acclaimed poet and essayist Roger Reeves to campus for readings and craft talks on October 16–17, 2025.

Listeners will hear excerpts from Coleman’s award-winning collection Red Wilderness (Winner of the 2020 GLCA New Writers Award) as he explores how translation breathes new life into poetry—bridging languages, cultures, and time.

*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series and is edited by Sly Pup Productions.



U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance: Paul Feeny30 Sep 202500:21:02

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Paul Feeny, Director of Concerts & Events at the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance. This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 - October 26, 2025).

Featured Programming & Highlights include:

Paul discusses his role in overseeing SMTD's 1,000+ event performance calendar, shares what makes North Campus venues unique destinations for audiences, and highlights how the Michigan Arts Festival creates opportunities for artists and audiences to discover collaborative work happening across campus disciplines—from commissioned orchestral premieres to student showcases that blend tradition with innovation.

*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series which kicks off on September 25, 2025 and is edited by Sly Pup Productions.


U-M Stamps Gallery: Srimoyee Mitra23 Sep 202500:27:46

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Srimoyee Mitra, Director of the Stamps Gallery at the University of Michigan. This episode is part of a U-M Creative Currents' podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 - October 26, 2025).

Featured Programming & Highlights include:

Srimoyee discusses the Stamps Gallery's mission to showcase contemporary art and design, shares what makes the gallery a unique destination for both campus and community visitors, and highlights the special exhibitions and wellness programming that connect audiences to transformative artistic experiences during the Michigan Arts Festival and beyond.

*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series which kicks off on September 25, 2025 and is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Sly Pup Productions.


UMS: Cayenne Harris & Mark Jacobson16 Sep 202500:27:50

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Cayenne Harris, Vice President for Learning & Engagement, and Mark Jacobson, Vice President for Programming and Production, both from the University Musical Society (UMS). This episode is part of a U-M Creative Currents' podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 - October 26, 2025). 

UMS serves as the University of Michigan's performing arts presenter, bringing world-class musicians, dance companies, and theater works to southeast Michigan. Cayenne is a nationally recognized leader in arts education and community engagement who oversees programs for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Mark oversees dance, music and theater programming with a special passion for jazz, having built U-M's ongoing partnership with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

Featured Programming & Highlights include:

Cayenne and Mark discuss UMS's mission to deepen the impact of arts on campus and in the community, share what first-time concertgoers need to know about attending performing arts events, and highlight the special programming and engagement opportunities that connect audiences to world-class artists.

*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series which kicks off on September 25, 2025 and is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Sly Pup Productions.


UMMA: Jim Leija11 Sep 202500:21:48

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Jim Leija, Deputy Director for Public Experience, Learning, & Operations at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA). This episode is part of a U-M Creative Currents' podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 - October 26, 2025).

Jim is a nationally recognized arts leader and educator who leads strategic efforts to make UMMA more welcoming, accessible, and community engaged. Before joining UMMA, Jim spent nearly a decade at the University Musical Society (UMS), where he built programs connecting the performing arts with students, the campus, and the community. A proud three-time Michigan alum, Jim's work sits at the intersection of art, education, and social impact.

Featured Exhibitions & Memberships include:

Jim highlights UMMA's commitment to accessibility—the museum is completely free and offers everything from quick visits to extended exploration, plus collaborations with the Arts Initiative, Public Art, and the University Libraries that extend the museum's impact beyond its walls.

*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series which kicks off on September 25, 2025 and is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Sly Pup Productions.


Penny Stamps Speaker Series: Chrisstina Hamilton11 Sep 202500:23:51

In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, join host Mark Clague as he interviews Chrisstina Hamilton, producer and director of the University of Michigan's prestigious Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series and Roman Witt Visiting Artist Program. This special episode is part of a U-M Creative Currents' podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 - October 26, 2025).

Before joining the Stamps School of Art & Design, Chrisstina directed the Ann Arbor Film Festival and has extensive experience with film and media projects both nationally and internationally. She brings an impressive lineup of thought leaders and inspiring artistic voices to campus across visual art, design, music, theater, and dance, with a fantastic lineup planned for the Michigan Arts Festival.

Featured Speakers include:

*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series which kicks off on September 25, 2025 and is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Sly Pup Productions.


© My Podcast Data
About usPrivacy Policy