Michigan Creates
ABOUT MICHIGAN CREATES:
Explore the vibrant arts and culture landscape of Michigan, a state with a thriving creative ecosystem that has birthed iconic movements like Motown and The Purple Rose Theater. Home to legendary musicians, writers, and artists, Michigan boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage known worldwide. Michigan Creates is a podcast series that will connect listeners with gifted artists and cultural institutions that are nurturing Michigan's vibrant creative landscape.
PODCAST HOST:
Join your host, Ara Topouzian, an award-winning Armenian musician and advocate for the arts in Michigan. Ara will converse with artists and cultural institutions while exploring the intersection of music and culture and highlighting their work to bolster the artist community that sustains Michigan's creative economy.
Episodes
31 episodes
The Art of Sound: Transforming Music Through Creative Exploration | Colton Weatherston
Most people think creativity is about talent or natural gift, but talented guitarist and composer Colton Weatherston reveals the hidden habits and mindset that turn practice into mastery. In this intimate conversation, Colton shares how ...
The Unexpected Role of Armenian Music in Rebuilding Identity After 1915
Most of us underestimate the power of what we carry forward—until a moment like this. Ara Topouzian reflects on the deeply personal significance of Armenian Heritage Month, revealing how mus...
Why Your Art Alone Isn't Enough Anymore — The Case for Building a Personal Brand
Most artists are told to create — but in today’s digital world, that’s only half the story. Building a recognizable brand around your work is now essential for survival. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise or unsure how to stand out wi...
The Surprising Journey From Flute to Conductor That Changed Her Life | Nan Washburn, Conductor
Most orchestras focus on tradition. This one is rewriting the rules — from innovative programming to boosting diversity — all under the leadership of a trailblazing female conductor who's breaking barriers in American music. If you believe live...
Business in the Key of D: Helping Michigan Musicians Master the Business Side of Music | Chris Simpson
On this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian sits down with Wayne State University alum and musician Chris Simpson to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry.Chris shares his jo...
Invisible Isn’t Failing: A Reflection on Artists, Art Organizations, and What Quietly Disappears
After more than two years of interviewing artists and arts organizations across Michigan, host Ara Topouzian pauses for a short, personal reflection. There’s no guest today—just an honest observation about visibility, sustainability, and...
How Detroit Contemporary Art Thrives | Dorota & Steve Coy, ArtClvb
In this episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian talks with Dorota and Steve Coy, co-founders of ArtClvb, a dynamic Detroit contemporar...
Big Picture Art & Equity in Performance | Esther Triggs, Interlochen Center for the Arts
Ara Topouzian sits down with Esther Triggs, Director of Equity & Inclusion at Interlochen Center for the Arts, to explore how creativity, dialogue, and performance foster equity in arts education. This conversation highlights ...
Bridging Art & Public Engagement | Lyla Catellier, Cranbrook Art Museum
In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian speaks with Lyla Catellier, Curator of Public Programs at Cranbrook Art Museum. They discuss how museums engage audiences through public programming, collaboration, and accessible...
Music Education & Community Impact | Rodney Lontine, Flint Institute of Music
Host Ara Topouzian talks with Rodney Lontine, President & CEO of the Flint Institute of Music, about the transformative power of music education and performance. The conversation explores how FIM expands access to the arts, nu...
100 Years of Creativity & Culture | Kathryn Dimond, Scarab Club
Ara Topouzian explores the history and ongoing relevance of Detroit’s Scarab Club with Kathryn Dimond. This episode highlights the club’s century-long legacy as a creative gathering place for artists, writers, and cultural leaders...
ArtPrize: Celebrating Public Art & Community | Exhibition Team
In this episode, Ara Topouzian talks with JoLee Kirkikis and Kailey Smith-Barth of ArtPrize about public art, creative placemaking, and audience engagement. They discuss how large-scale art experiences ...
Immigrant Voices in Michigan Arts | Ara Topouzian (Solo Reflections)
In a special solo episode, Ara Topouzian reflects on Immigrant Heritage Month and the vital role immigrant artists play in shaping Michigan’s cultural landscape. Through personal storytelling and broader perspective, this episode explores ident...
How Art Builds Community | Lisa Howard, Plymouth Community Arts Council
Ara Topouzian speaks with Lisa Howard, Executive Director of the Plymouth Community Arts Council, about the impact of community-based arts programming. They discuss public art, youth education, and events that make creativity acce...
Julie Dawson on Art, Storytelling & Illustration | Illustrator, Author, Artist
In this episode, Ara Topouzian talks with Michigan artist Julie Dawson, an illustrator, author, and creative storyteller whose work spans decades. They explore her artistic journey, creative process, and contributions to arts educ...
Preserving Culture Through Memory and Art | Ara Topouzian (Solo Episode)
In this solo episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian reflects on the role of culture, memory, and artistic expression in the aftermath of genocide and collective trauma. Drawing connections between the Armenian Genocide an...
Expanding Access to the Arts | Audra Pieknik, The Art Experience
In this episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian talks with Audra Pieknik, Executive Director of The Art Experience, about expanding access to visual arts through education, exhibitions, and community programming. Au...
Leading a Symphony in a Changing Arts Landscape | Sarah Calderini, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra
Ara Topouzian sits down with Sarah Calderini, Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, to discuss leadership, sustainability, and community engagement in orchestral music. The conversatio...
Art, Healing, and Public Spaces | Elaine Sims & Laura Mettam, Gifts of Art
In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian talks with Elaine Sims and Laura Mettam of the University of Michigan Medicine Gifts of Art program. They discuss how art and music are integrated into healthcare se...
Presenting Music with Intimacy and Intent | Monica Swartout-Bebow, Kerrytown Concert House
In this episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian talks with Monica Swartout-Bebow, Artistic and Executive Director of Kerrytown Concert House, about presenting music in an intimate, arti...
Touring, Advocacy, and Artist Support | Amanda Stanger-Read, GLPAA
Ara Topouzian speaks with Amanda Stanger-Read, Executive Director of Great Lakes Performing Artists Associates (GLPAA), about artist touring, advocacy, and sustaining performing arts caree...
Building Theater Rooted in Story and Place | Sarah Clare Corporandy, Detroit Public Theatre
In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian talks with Sarah Clare Corporandy, co-founder of Detroit Public Theatre, about creating theater that reflects community, identity, and lived experience. Sarah shares...
Jazz, Clarity, and Musical Storytelling | Dave Bennett
Ara Topouzian sits down with Dave Bennett, jazz clarinetist and multi-instrumentalist, to discuss musical storytelling, improvisation, and artistic discipline. Dave reflects on his creative journey, performance philosophy, and how...
Creating Access Through Youth Arts | Dwayne Hayes, KickstART Farmington
In this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian talks with Dwayne Hayes, founder and Executive Director of KickstART Farmington, about providing access to arts education for young people. Dwayne shares how creativ...
Stewarding a Historic Performance Venue | Vince Paul, Music Hall of Detroit
Ara Topouzian speaks with Vince Paul, President and Artistic Director of the Music Hall of Detroit, about leading a historic performance venue with relevance and purpose. The conversation highlights programming decis...
