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.
What happened to the AI bill SB-1047? And how can artists advocate for themselves amid technological changes? In this Let’s Talk episode of the Tech in the Arts Podcast, AMT Lab’s Chief Editor of Research, Hannah Brainard, and Lead Researcher, Ian Hawthorne, dive into the recent developments in AI policy and its impact on artists.
In the first episode of the 2024-2025 season of Tech in the Arts, hear from Jessica Bowser Acrie, the director of the Arts Management and Public Management programs at Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College. Having recently attended the Christie’s Art + Tech Summit, Bowser Acrie shares her key takeaways for arts managers.
Roopa Gogineni is a photographer, an award-winning filmmaker, and a photojournalist from West Virginia now based in both Paris and Atlanta. In this episode, Roopa Gogineni talks with AMTLab Podcast Producer, Jabrenee Hussie, about photojournalism and filmmaking. With a background in Diplomatic History and African Studies, Roopa shares her experiences as a freelance filmmaker and photographer working in East Africa. She highlights the importance of mindfulness and responsible storytelling as one documents significant events in lands that aren’t their own. Roopa also discusses one of her notable works, SuddenlyTV that documents a portion of the Sundanese Revolution that earned the SXSW Special Jury Award and experiences from the creation of that piece.
In this episode of the Art + Climate series, Contemporary Craft Executive Director Rachel Rearick talks with AMT Lab Lead Researcher Hannah Brainard about their recent exhibition, Climate Awakening: Crafting a Sustainable Future, which explored the human impacts on climate change. They discuss how art can be used as a catalyst for conversation, opening the door for intentional community engagement.
Contemporary Craft is a visual arts organization in Pittsburgh, which fosters the use of traditional craft materials such as ceramic, fiber, glass, metal and wood to make art. Through their exhibitions, studio and store, they honor the history and heritage of craft, while showcasing modern, exploratory work.
In this episode of the Art + Climate series on the Tech in the Arts podcast, join AMT Lab's Lead Researcher Hannah Brainard and Social Media and Marketing Manager Ashley Offman in conversation with Molly Braverman, Director of the Broadway Green Alliance. Molly has worked as a Stage Manager on Broadway, national tours, and regionally, having spent three years on the road with the National Tour of Wicked and continuing to serve as a substitute Stage Manager on Wicked and Hamilton. Molly shares how her work at the Broadway Green Alliance has allowed each member of cast and creative team to be an agent of change in a way that fits their show's needs, how sustainability branches out beyond the environment, and the first step that every organization should take in their sustainability journey.
In this episode of the Art + Climate series on the Tech in the Arts podcast, hear from Sandra Goldmark, an Associate Professor in Theatre at Barnard College and the Senior Assistant Dean for Interdisciplinary Engagement at the Columbia Climate School. A professor, designer, and entrepreneur, Sandra’s work focuses on the circular economy and regenerative climate strategy. She is the founder of Fixup, a New York City-based pop-up repair shop, and the co-creator of the Sustainable Production Toolkit for performing arts organizations.
Can concerts mobilize music fans to climate action? From signing a petition or voting, to participating in a protest - what actions are fans most likely to take when their favorite artists ask them to? Over the last year, Planet Reimagined’s Climate Active Fellows, Caleb Johnson and Li-Ya Mar have been tackling these questions through their project “Amplify: How to Build a Fan-Based Climate Movement.” In this podcast, Caleb and Li-Ya talk with AMT Lab Lead Researcher Hannah Brainard about their research process, sharing some key findings and next steps.
