Welcome to Part 1 of our Exclusive Interview with Professor Megan Heber, MA, MBA. Megan’s journey exemplifies a profound commitment to using the arts as a catalyst for positive change. With 15 years of experience, Megan has become a leading advocate for the arts, currently serving as the Professor of Practice in Arts Management and Nonprofit Leadership at SMU’s Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs.
Beyond the classroom, Megan actively engages with the North Texas arts community, contributing her expertise to various committees and organizations such as the City of Dallas Cultural Plan Implementation Steering Committee and the Board of Appointed Trustees of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Megan’s remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed; she was honored with the Business Council for the Arts Obelisk Award in 2020 and recognized as one of “30 Under 40” alumni by Rowan University. With a diverse background encompassing executive roles and military service, Megan’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to enriching communities through the transformative power of the arts.
What motivated the collaboration between HEC Montreal, Southern Methodist University, and Bocconi University to create the Master of Management in International Arts Management (MMIAM) program?
Fittingly, it all started on an airplane.
The spark was ignited when Professor François Colbert flew from Montreal to Dallas to visit Dr. Zannie Voss during her first year at Southern Methodisty University (SMU). On the plane, François sketched out his vision for a new kind of master’s program focused on international arts management. Key to this was a joint program that would leverage the unique strengths of each participating institution.
Upon arriving at the campus, the idea was immediately pitched to the Dean of Meadows School of the Arts, who embraced the concept with great enthusiasm. Recognizing the potential impact and innovation such a program could offer, he gave his approval without hesitation. That very afternoon, Zannie and François reached out to their colleagues at Bocconi University, laying the groundwork for what would soon become a pioneering program in international arts management.
This rapid progression from an initial idea to decisive action highlights the shared commitment and excitement among the founding members. The collaboration was driven by a mutual recognition of the need for arts managers who could navigate and lead within the increasingly global landscape of arts and culture. Each institution—HEC Montreal, SMU, and Bocconi—brought a complementary set of expertise and resources that enriched the program, making it a robust educational offering designed to address the dynamic challenges of the global arts sector.
Could you elaborate on the selection process for the universities included in the MMIAM program? Why were these specific institutions chosen?
The selection process for the universities involved in the MMIAM program was designed to leverage the unique strengths and strategic locations of each institution, ensuring a rich and diverse educational experience.
HEC Montreal, Southern Methodist University, and Bocconi University were chosen for their complementary expertise in arts management, business education, and cultural policy. HEC Montreal is renowned for its leadership in arts marketing and management education, making it a natural fit for a program that combines management skills with arts administration. Southern Methodist University is located in Dallas, a vibrant cultural hub in the United States, offering students practical experiences and connections in a major arts market. Finally, Bocconi University in Milan provides invaluable insights into European cultural economics and policies, rounding out the program’s international scope.
These institutions were selected not just for their individual merits but also for how they could work together. Each brings a different geographic and cultural perspective, enriching the curriculum and providing students with a comprehensive understanding of global arts management. This strategic selection ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate and influence the international arts landscape. Additionally, satellite campuses supplement these main locations, expanding the breadth of the program’s reach and providing more diverse learning opportunities across the globe.
An almost 100% placement rate is very impressive. How were you able to achieve it and is this something you specifically strive for?
Our near-perfect placement rate is a testament to our comprehensive approach, which includes a targeted curriculum, strong industry connections, and our International Advisory Board. We also deliberately keep the cohort size small. This ensures that each student receives individual attention, allowing for deeper personal connections among students and faculty. Such a setting enables us to truly understand each student’s aspirations and career goals.
What kind of jobs can graduates look forward to after completion?
After completing the program, graduates can expect to pursue a variety of impactful roles within the arts sector. They are well-prepared for leadership positions in global cultural institutions, policy-making bodies, and creative enterprises. The program equips them with the necessary skills to lead, innovate, and adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the arts world. Graduates often find themselves in roles that not only challenge them but also inspire them to shape cultural policies and manage leading arts organizations across the globe.
How much will this program cost American and international students and is there any financial assistance available to those who may not be able to afford it?
Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and talented student body by removing financial barriers, thereby enabling gifted individuals from various backgrounds to leverage the unique educational opportunities that the MMIAM program offers.
The MMIAM program is structured to last only one year, a decision that helps minimize the overall costs and accelerates the timeline for our students to re-enter the workforce. The program’s fee is approximately $50,000 and includes tuition, travel to each program location, and hotel stays at our satellite campuses during the grand tour of Italy.
To ensure the program remains accessible, we offer several financial assistance options. Students from developing countries may be eligible for scholarships covering up to 50% of the program costs and we also award merit scholarships to highly-qualified students. Additionally, we’ve curated an extensive list of external scholarships available to all students, which can be found on our website. These scholarships aim to further mitigate costs.
We encourage prospective students to apply early for financial aid to maximize their chances of receiving support. By keeping the program duration to one year, we not only help students manage costs effectively but also allow them to quickly apply their new skills in the workplace, enhancing their careers and contributions to the arts management field.
Can you talk about practical real-world application of the skills and knowledge gained from this program? Are there any success stories that can be shared?
The MMIAM program is designed to ensure that the skills and knowledge imparted are not only theoretical but also have strong practical applications in the real world of arts management. This is achieved through a blend of rigorous academic coursework, intensive field experiences, and direct engagement with leading arts organizations across the globe.
For example, during their studies, students engage in hands-on projects where they tackle real challenges faced by arts organizations. This could involve developing strategic marketing plans for theaters in Milan, or crafting funding proposals for non-profits in Dallas. Through such projects, students apply the theories they learn in class to solve actual problems, gaining invaluable practical experience.
Moreover, the international component of the program allows students to see how different cultural contexts influence arts management practices. This global perspective is crucial in today’s interconnected world and enhances students’ ability to think and operate across cultural boundaries.
Success stories from our alumni illustrate the impact of this approach. One notable example is a graduate who went on to become the director of a major arts festival in Europe. This role allows the individual to leverage their global arts management education to bring diverse cultural expressions to a wide audience, promoting international understanding and cooperation.
Another alum has successfully implemented community engagement projects for a prominent museum in New York. Utilizing skills gained from the MMIAM program, this graduate has developed programs that not only enhance the museum’s offerings but also actively involve community members in the arts, making art more accessible to diverse populations.
These examples underscore how the MMIAM program equips students with the tools needed to lead and innovate in the arts sector, making a tangible difference in the organizations they join and the communities they serve.
How does the MMIAM program ensure a balance between academic coursework and practical experiences in the arts management field?
In the MMIAM program, we strike a crucial balance between academic theory and practical experiences, ensuring that our students gain a comprehensive understanding of arts management both in and out of the classroom. By integrating internships, live projects, and fieldwork into our curriculum, students can immediately apply the theoretical knowledge they acquire in real-world settings. This approach not only enhances their learning but also significantly boosts their employability.
We take academic rigor seriously, but we also emphasize practical application. Each student is encouraged to engage deeply with the cities and communities we visit, working closely with local organizations to address real issues. For instance, in our Fundraising course, students are tasked with selecting a local arts nonprofit and organizing a fundraising event from conception to execution. Through these projects, our students have successfully raised over $10,000, demonstrating their ability to make a tangible impact even before graduation. This blend of rigorous academic study and practical, hands-on experience prepares our graduates to be effective leaders in the arts management field, capable of making meaningful contributions wherever they go.
The MMIAM program involves studying in five different countries. How does this international exposure enhance students’ understanding of arts management?
The international exposure provided by the MMIAM program is fundamental in broadening our students’ understanding of arts management on a global scale. By studying in five different countries, students are immersed in diverse cultural settings, each offering unique insights into the arts sector.
Firstly, this exposure is invaluable for developing cultural competence. Students learn how to navigate and respect different cultural landscapes, which is crucial in today’s globalized world. For example, the approach to arts management in Italy, with its rich history of patronage and state-supported arts, can be quite different from the models often seen in the United States.
Secondly, studying in various countries allows students to observe and compare different arts management practices and policies firsthand. They get to see how funding, audience engagement, marketing, and governance differ from one place to another. This not only enriches their understanding but also equips them with a versatile set of skills and approaches that can be adapted to various contexts.
Lastly, the international setting of the program helps build a global network of contacts. Our students meet peers, professionals, and experts from around the world, which enhances their career opportunities and broadens their professional horizons. This network is a tremendous asset, whether they choose to work in their home countries or pursue opportunities abroad.
Overall, the global experience offered by the MMIAM program doesn’t just educate; it transforms our students into culturally savvy arts managers, prepared to make meaningful impacts in the arts world, wherever their careers may take them.
PART 2: Exclusive Interview with Prof. Megan Heber
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Interview organized by CCI communications. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News
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