060: Connections through Culture on the Global Stage

Catalyst is a Creative Industries podcast, from Chapman University. Each episode features Chapman students who have completed a Podcasting course through the Center for Creative and Cultural Industries at the university. Students who had no podcasting experience or technical ability in the genre before taking the course were able to contribute all the segments to Catalyst this season with the goal being that they will take this 'hands-on' experience and carry it over to the launching of their very own series. Each episode of Season 8 will feature one to two different interviews conducted by CCI students, exploring different aspects of the Creative and Cultural Industries. The first interview of season 8 of features a spirited Rebecca Day sitting down to talk with Jim Wilson, one of the board members of the Riecken Foundation which has helped to create and maintain the Riecken Community Libraries throughout Central America. They take a deep dive into the history of these libraries, and how and why they have become successful community resources and cultural centers. They conclude by looking at the future of Riecken, plans for more development, and where the company will expand next! To close the inaugural episode of season 8, Chambolion Fairley, speaks with Johanna Kouzmine-Karavaïeff - Director of ifa Laboratory, a cultural ambassador for the diplomatic world institute, and a founding partner of Artisans of Innovation. Chambolion and Johanna start by discussing Johanna's career trajectory, including why understanding creative and cultural sectors are important and how they impact cultures and how & why she works with artists and designers for business and economic development. They touch on cultural diplomacy vs. cultural relations, the lack of support that culturally driven exchanges actually get in the international sphere, and finally the intrinsic value of art and creativity, and finally how these measures can help cultural groups break down stigmatization.