In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Samantha Childers explores why so many songs recommended by streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music sound strikingly similar. She breaks down the inner workings of music streaming algorithms—how metadata, collaborative filtering, content-based filtering, and continuous feedback loops collectively shape the “perfect playlist.” Childers also examines Spotify features such as Discover Weekly and Discovery Mode, uncovering how these tools influence music discovery, artist visibility, and even compositional trends as musicians increasingly write with algorithms in mind. Alongside these technical insights, she raises critical ethical questions about data privacy, algorithmic bias, pay-to-play practices, and the shrinking role of human curation. Ultimately, the episode invites listeners to rethink how algorithm-driven platforms shape not only what we hear but also how we discover, value, and experience music.
In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Andrew Wolverton and Zachary Collins explore how arts-focused technology can transform nonprofit ticketing and operations, tracing Ludus’s journey from a side project for a single high school musical to a nationwide platform serving more than 4,000 organizations. Collins explains how Ludus was built from the ground up around the real needs of drama teachers and community theaters, growing into an end-to-end system for ticketing, fundraising, marketing, volunteers, and concessions—while staying anchored in a people-first culture summed up by the company’s core value, “Give a Shit.” He reflects on navigating the COVID-19 shutdown through livestreaming and social-distancing tools, choosing the right growth equity partner, and why he believes AI shouldn’t replace arts workers but instead act as a “superpower” that frees them to focus on human-centered work and shared live experiences.
In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Alexann Sharp and Cara Flannery sit down with four-time Emmy-winning innovator Michael Cioni to unpack how technology and creativity converge in modern media workflows. Cioni introduces Strada, a peer-to-peer platform designed to enable remote collaboration without cloud storage, and shares career lessons on building networks through industry events (NAB, Cine Gear, IBC) and assembling complementary teams (“Swiss-cheese” collaboration). He distinguishes generative vs. utilitarian AI, predicts a shakeout and rebound for GenAI, and outlines his Skills Gap Principle and “Technative” mindset for balancing creative and technical strengths. The conversation closes with candid advice on taking smarter risks and betting on yourself.
In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Daniel Temkin and Luna Lu discussed the artistic possibilities of code, focusing on esoteric programming languages (esolangs) and how they can function as a medium for art and human expression. Temkin explained that his interest began with experimenting in existing esolangs (like Brainfuck) around 2007-2008, leading him to create his own and document them conceptually, moving away from overly technical documentation. The conversation highlighted how giving up on the idea that programming must be practical allows for artistic exploration, connecting esolangs to idea art, constraint-based work (such as the Oulipo Group), and performance art. Temkin detailed the structure of his book, which presents programming languages as idea-based art, containing both realized works and conceptual prompts inspired by artists like Yoko Ono, and described how his languages — such as Fat Finger, which inspired code poetry, and Folders, which manipulates file system hierarchy — explore themes of collaboration, human irrationality, and the extreme constraints of logical systems. Listeners were also encouraged to explore existing esolangs on the Esolang Wiki before trying to design their own.
In this episode of the Arts Management and Technology Lab, Melida Hernandez and Christine Rivera dive into the intersections of technology, identity, and representation in digital spaces and media. Melida explores how AI-based recognition systems, often trained on biased datasets, misclassify transgender and non-binary individuals, which impacts their self-presentation, psychological well-being, and digital agency. Melida also discusses how these technologies replicate real-world prejudices, limiting the fluidity of gender expression online, and highlights the lack of diversity in AI research teams, where women make up only 10–15% of staff. Christine’s research, on the other hand, focuses on how scripted and streaming television depicts motherhood and women’s reproductive choices, connecting these portrayals to broader issues such as policy, workplace inequality, and the “motherhood penalty.” Together, they unpack how media archetypes, algorithmic bias, and social platforms shape public perception and reinforce gender roles, calling for more inclusive storytelling, equitable AI design, and better systemic support for women and marginalized communities.
Launched in June 2015, Kadenze is an online learning platform that is built especially for arts-based curricula. It now offers more than 30 courses in partnership with leading art colleges and institutions around the world. To learn more about this innovative learning platform, AMT-Lab Contributor Vicky Peng interviewed Kadenze’s Communication Manager, John Johnson. Read the full interview here.
Launched in June 2015, Kadenze is an online learning platform that is built especially for arts-based curricula. It now offers more than 30 courses in partnership with leading art colleges and institutions around the world. To learn more about this innovative learning platform, AMT-Lab Contributor Vicky Peng interviewed Kadenze’s Communication Manager, John Johnson.
Caroline Conena is the Business Manager at the Island Moving Company. IMC is the resident ballet company of Newport, Rhode Island. They have used the unique venues of this city to perform classical and contemporary ballets for over thirty years. Recently, AMT-Lab Contributor Collin Baylor caught up with Conena to talk about her favorite apps.
Caroline Conena is the Business Manager at the Island Moving Company. IMC is the resident ballet company of Newport, Rhode Island. They have used the unique venues of this city to perform classical and contemporary ballets for over thirty years. Recently, AMT-Lab Contributor Collin Baylor caught up with Conena to talk about her favorite apps. Read the full interview here.
Courtney Byrne-Mitchell is the Director of Visitor Services at the Museum at Eldridge Street in New York City. The Museum at Eldridge Street is a nonprofit, non-sectarian museum dedicated to maintaining the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Byrne-Mitchell oversees the daily workings of this National Historic Landmark built in 1887.
Karen Kornblum Berntsen is a professional designer and an Associate Teaching Professor in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. She has taught classes in interaction design, typography and the visual display of complex information. She has received numerous national and international design awards for her work, some of which was included in the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.
Recently, AMT-Lab Contributor Kate Martin caught up with Berntsen to talk about how technology informs her work.
Hammerstep is a progressive modern dance company with influences from historically rebellious dance forms, including Irish, tap, hip hop and African stepping and strives to push artistic boundaries through the groundbreaking use of technology and thought-provoking themes. AMT Lab contributor Katie Grennan caught up with co-founder Garrett Coleman to talk about how technology has allowed him to take his innovative dance company to the next level.
Hammerstep is a progressive modern dance company with influences from historically rebellious dance forms, including Irish, tap, hip hop and African stepping and strives to push artistic boundaries through the groundbreaking use of technology and thought-provoking themes. AMT Lab contributor Katie Grennan caught up with co-founder Garrett Coleman to talk about how technology has allowed him to take his innovative dance company to the next level. Read the full interview here.
