Museum Backstage

Public art is the most accessible art form we have… and it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Samantha Hunt-Durán talks with Mirko Carnovali, Art Director at DiBari and Associates, about what it actually takes to bring large-scale public artworks to life: from research and concept development to engineering realities, permits, fabrication, and installation.✨ In this conversation, you’ll hear:• Why the best public art creates a sense of place + belonging (Mirko’s “emotional cityscapes”)• The hidden steps most people never notice: materials, wind loads, climate, maintenance, bureaucracy• The business reality: RFQs vs RFPs, proposal labor, and “finding a new job every day”• Designing for communities you don’t live in (with a case study: Sun Salutations, Sunset Park, West Palm Beach)• Why public art is the most democratic art form—and a misconception Mirko wants to correct🔗 Resources + links:• DiBari and Associates: https://dibari-id.com/• Mirko on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirkocarnovali/• Mirko’s Instagram (digital art): @mcdigitalartist• Sun Salutations project: https://dibari-id.com/project/sun-salutations/• 1% for Art background: https://nasaa-arts.org/nasaa_research/state-percent-art-programs/⏱️ Timestamps / chapters:00:00 Museum Backstage Intro00:42 Meet Mirko Carnovali03:06 From Idea to Installation07:11 Timelines and Teamwork09:48 Costs and Misconceptions11:58 Winning Public Art Jobs14:37 RFQs vs RFPs19:25 Advice for New Artists21:59 Emotional Cityscapes28:22 Story Beats Aesthetics31:23 Why Feedback Is Rare33:23 Feedback and Fairness34:45 Who Is Judging35:57 Designing for Strangers37:29 Sunset Park Case Study40:21 Emotional Cityscapes41:50 Knowing the Balance45:15 Public Art Is Democratic48:12 Do Cities Get It50:55 Mirko Origin Story56:54 Digital Art and AI58:25 Public Art Misconceptions01:00:51 Links and Wrap Up🎧 Listening prompt: What’s one public artwork that made you feel something—and why?#publicart #urbandesign #placemaking #cityplanning #civicdesign #artsadministration #designthinking #creativeindustry #publicspace #museumbackstage

🧵 Fashion collections are not just garments—they are living archives of memory, labor, identity, and culture.In this episode of Museum Backstage, I’m joined by textile specialist and creative entrepreneur Jensina Endresen to go behind the "seams" of fashion exhibitions, sustainability in the museum field, and what it really takes to build a creative, non-traditional career in cultural heritage.We talk about mannequinage, exhibition installs and de-installs, working with Dior on international projects, creative business ownership, and why sustainability in fashion is far more complicated than most of us realize.🔗 Resources & mentions• Bustleworship (Jensina’s business & portfolio): https://bustleworshipdesigns.com• Dior exhibition work – https://www.galeriedior.com/en• Denver Art Museum Dior exhibition – https://www.denverartmuseum.org/en/exhibitions/dior• Sustainability in museum transport resources – https://icom.museum/en/research/sustainability-and-local-development/📚 Jensina’s sustainability & theory reading list• All Art is Ecological – Timothy Morton• Dark Ecology – Timothy Morton• Realist Magic: Objects, Ontology, Causality – Timothy Morton• Fashion Theology – Robert Covolo• Craft of Use – Kate Fletcher• Paul J. Crutzen and the Anthropocene: A New Epoch in the Earth’s History• The Psychopolitics of Fashion – Otto von Busch• Worn – Sofi Thanhouser🔗 Connect with Jensina• Website: https://bustleworshipdesigns.com• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bustleworship⏱️ Episode timestamps00:00 Introduction01:00 Fashion collections & personal meaning06:30 Stories textiles can tell11:00 Mannequinage & exhibition logistics18:00 De-install & packing couture24:00 Working with Dior internationally34:00 Creative business ownership37:30 Advice for museum entrepreneurs46:30 Motherhood & creative practice52:00 Sustainability in fashion (hot takes)60:00 Museums & sustainability63:00 Where to find Jensina#MuseumBackstage #TextileConservation #FashionCollections #MuseumCareers #SustainableFashion #WomenInMuseums #CulturalHeritage

Can art collecting be approachable — even if you don’t know the “right” words or have a massive budget?In this episode of Museum Backstage, I’m joined by Delia LaJeunesse, founder of Delia LaJeunesse Art Consulting, for a behind-the-scenes conversation that gently dismantles the idea that art is only for elites.Delia shares how she helps first-time and seasoned collectors find art that feels emotionally resonant, personally meaningful, and actually good to live with — not just “good on paper” as an investment. We also get into the surprisingly vulnerable side of collecting: intimidation in galleries, fear of “bad taste,” and why so many people feel like they were never invited into the art world in the first place.And yes — we go there on AI: what it means for artists, collectors, and why Delia believes story and human connection will become even more valuable as machine-made content grows.If you’ve ever felt awkward in a gallery, overwhelmed by the art market, or unsure where to start… consider this your backstage pass. 🎟️✨Places & orgs mentionedBell Projects (Denver) — gallery with a “living room” viewing space: https://www.instagram.com/bell_projects/?hl=enArt Basel (Basel, Switzerland) — referenced as overwhelming but eye-opening: https://www.artbasel.com/basel?lang=enOnline art marketplaces mentionedArtsy: https://www.artsy.net/Saatchi Art: https://www.saatchiart.com/Book mentionedYour Brain on Art (Delia recommends): https://www.yourbrainonart.com/Ways to find artistsInstagram (following artists + seeing process/behind the scenes)Local galleries and arts organizations (as a great starting point)Gallery newsletters + press releasesConnect with DeliaWebsite: https://delialajeunesse.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlartconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delia-lajeunesse/Newsletter (every other Thursday): https://delialajeunesseartconsulting.substack.com/Email: [email protected] for ListenersDelia crowdsourced this live: Is there a better term than “art consultant”?If you’ve got ideas, drop them in the comments — we’re serious. 😄Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Museum Backstage00:44 Meet Delia LaJeunesse: Art Consultant Extraordinaire02:03 Making Art Accessible and Personal03:01 Delia's Unique Approach to Art Consulting05:23 The Personal Touch in Art Collection06:46 Navigating the Art Market10:55 Supporting Artists and Building Connections13:38 Art Appreciation Practices30:48 The Role of Art in Everyday Life32:51 Generational Shifts in Art Collecting33:50 The Impact of AI on Art and Collecting39:03 Navigating the Art Consulting Business40:10 The Importance of Art in Personal and Professional Spaces43:17 Balancing Multiple Roles in the Art World46:36 Supporting Artists as Business Owners53:39 Frequently Asked Questions and Final Thoughts#MuseumBackstage #ArtCollecting #DenverArt #SupportLivingArtists #ArtWorld #ContemporaryArt #ArtConsultant #ArtAppreciation #InteriorDesign #AIandArt

In this episode of Museum Backstage, host Samantha Hunt Duran pulls back the curtain with Denver-based contemporary artist and arts leader Carrie MaKenna—co-founder of Dart Gallery and founder/president of the Colorado Women’s Art Center and Museum (CWAM).Carrie shares what inspired her to help build a women’s art museum from the ground up, why museum representation still matters (especially for women artists), and what it takes to curate meaningful exhibitions without a permanent building. You’ll hear the real-world, behind-the-scenes logistics—calls for submissions, loan agreements, installation crunch time, and the creative strategy behind designing an experience people actually want to explore.They also zoom out to the bigger mission: preserving the legacies of Colorado women artists, strengthening local culture, and creating a community-powered museum model supported by artists, members, and grassroots momentum.Plus: a preview of CWAM’s upcoming Self-Portrait Exhibition and ways to get involved.00:00 Welcome to Museum Backstage 00:42 Meet Carrie McKenna: Artist and Museum Founder 02:06 The Birth of the Colorado Women’s Art Center and Museum 05:15 The Denver Art Scene: A Unique Perspective 10:07 Challenges and Triumphs for Women Artists 19:25 Curating in Temporary Spaces 35:00 The Excitement (and Momentum) Behind CWAM 36:07 Why Denver Is the Right Home 36:49 A Growing Groundswell of Colorado Women Artists 37:47 Gender Representation in the Arts 41:54 Membership, Community, and Support 42:45 The Museum’s Vision for the Future 45:24 Building a Permanent Collection 50:59 Carrie’s Personal Journey + Family Influence 59:38 Upcoming Exhibitions and Events 01:02:07 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, there are a few ways you can support the work being done at the Colorado Women’s Art Center and Museum:🌱 Learn more or become a member: CWAMUS.org🎨 Attend an exhibition or event if you’re in or near Colorado💬 Join the conversation — share this episode with an artist, curator, or museum professional⭐ Subscribe, rate, and review Museum Backstage to help more people discover these storiesYour support helps amplify women artists, preserve cultural legacies, and shape the future of museums.#MuseumBackstage #Museums #ArtMuseum #WomenArtists #WomenInTheArts #ColoradoArt #DenverArts #ContemporaryArt #Curating #ArtExhibition #MuseumWork #ArtsLeadership #CulturalPreservation #ArtsAdvocacy #ArtCommunity

In this episode of Museum Backstage, host Samantha Hunt Duran sits down with Luis Yllanes, founder of LRY Art Collection Management, for an in-depth look at the evolving dynamics of today’s art world. Together, they explore the intricate relationships between artists, galleries, museums, and private collectors—and how these connections shape the journey of an artwork.Luis shares what makes an exhibition truly resonate, why proactive collection care is essential, and how collector responsibilities are shifting in a rapidly changing art landscape. He also reflects on his path from gallery and museum leadership to launching his own art management firm, offering practical advice for new collectors and those considering a transition into the art services field.Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the art ecosystem and actionable insights for managing and preserving collections.Episode Timestamps00:00 — Welcome to Museum Backstage 00:42 — Introducing Luis Giannis 01:37 — The Art Ecosystem 04:38 — The Journey of Artwork 07:36 — Collectors and Their Responsibilities 20:16 — Exhibition Impact 23:19 — Immersive Art Experiences 30:47 — The Impact of Unpolished Art 32:15 — Starting a New Business in the Art World 34:20 — Advice for Aspiring Art Entrepreneurs 36:00 — A Journey Through the Art World 43:03 — Daily Life of an Art Business Owner 51:00 — Rapid-Fire Q&A 52:40 — Conclusion and Contact Information🔗Watch full episode: #MuseumBackstage #ArtCollections #ArtManagement #ArtEcosystem #ArtCare #ArtConservation #ExhibitionDesign #ArtCollectors #Galleries #Museums #ArtEntrepreneurs #ArtBusiness #CulturalHeritage #CreativeIndustries #ArtLeadership #ArtInnovation #CollectionCare #ArtsAndCulture #BehindTheScenes #FutureOfArt #ArtWorldInsights

What does it take to build and steward a university art collection in a way that actually serves students, reflects the community, and respects history? In this conversation, Geoffrey Shamos brings an unusually transparent and practical look at what really happens behind the scenes of academic museums.Key Discussion Points• 00:00 – Welcome + intro to Museum Backstage• 00:36 – Meet today’s guest: Geoffrey Shamos• 01:14 – Why university collections deserve a closer look• 01:52 – What actually counts as a “collection”?• 03:28 – Preserving the past while speaking to the present• 05:08 – How academic collecting differs from traditional museums• 06:20 – Curriculum, research, and learning as drivers• 08:01 – Activating collections across campus (not just in galleries)• 09:55 – The reality: many university collections begin haphazardly• 11:50 – DU’s early collecting story• 13:05 – DU’s shift toward purposeful collecting• 14:22 – Listening to faculty + student needs•16:00 – Public art, visibility, and beautifying campus spaces• 17:40 – Representation, identity, and belonging• 19:25 – Filling gaps in historical narratives• 21:18 – Space, funding, capacity: the honest limits• 22:55 – Why supporting living artists matters• 24:40 – Artist donations, tax law, and inequities• 26:05 – How institutional recognition impacts artists• 27:48 – What the Study Center actually is• 29:15 – Hands-on learning: conservation, handling, registration• 31:05 – Treating students as emerging professionals• 32:40 – The three categories: Main, Study, Campus Art• 34:55 – How each category gets used• 36:18 – When works are declined or deaccessioned• 37:50 – How to turn down gifts respectfully• 39:12 – Why transparency builds better long-term relationships• 40:40 – DU’s Center for Art Collection Ethics• 42:15 – Restitution and the evolution of museum ethics• 44:30 – How to break into museum work• 46:00 – Networking that actually works• 47:32 – The “backdoor” paths: development, fundraising, operations• 49:05 – Creating opportunities when they don’t exist• 50:22 – Persistence and the zig-zag path• 52:10 – Geoffrey’s unexpected route to his role• 54:00 – From art history to fundraising to academia• 56:05 – Early memories of art and influence• 58:00 – How to access DU’s collection + community programming• 59:20 – Final reflectionsWhether you’re inside the museum world, adjacent to it, or just curious about how culture gets shaped at universities, this episode gives you a rare and grounded view into the process.Don’t forget to:👍 Like this episode🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations from the museum world💬 Comment with your biggest takeaway about collecting🔗 Share this with someone curious about how museums really work#museumbackstage #ArtCollections #UniversityMuseums #CuratorialPractice #ArtHistory #MuseumStudies #CulturalHeritage #AcademicMuseums #BehindTheScenes #CreativeCareers

Step beyond the velvet ropes and into the hidden world of museums, galleries, and cultural spaces. Museum Backstage pulls the curtain wide open on the unseen stories, bold decisions, and creative problem-solving that keep culture alive.Join host Samantha Hunt-Duran as she talks with museum directors, conservators, artists, and cultural leaders who reveal what really happens behind the exhibits — from repatriation and preservation to innovation and leadership in the cultural sector.Whether you’re a museum professional, a history lover, or simply someone fascinated by how art and artifacts shape our shared story, you’ll find candid conversations, insider insights, and inspiring stories from the people who make museums matter.🎧 Subscribe now to get your all-access pass behind the scenes of the world’s most fascinating industry.🔗 Learn more: www.museum-mgmt.com#MuseumBackstage #Museums #Culture #Leadership #PodcastLaunch #CulturalHeritage #Creativity

Museum Backstage takes you behind the velvet ropes into the hidden grind of museums, galleries, and cultural spaces. This is where the real work happens, preserving collections, solving problems, and keeping culture alive.Our bold vision is to spotlight the people who do not usually get the mic, but make it all possible. Guests include museum directors, collection managers, architects, conservators, and cultural influencers with stories that pull back the curtain and challenge the way you see museums.