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Exclusive Interview with Prof. Megan Heber on SMU’s Master of Management in International Arts Management (MMIAM) Program | Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 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.
Can you talk about the hands-on aspects, fieldwork, and travel involved? What can students expect and how interesting will it be to them?
The MMIAM program is intensely hands-on, offering students opportunities to dive into the practical aspects of arts management through varied fieldwork and travel experiences that are as educational as they are inspiring.
One example of this is a trip to Tuscany where students live in a castle that has been standing for over a thousand years. This experience is not just about soaking in the breathtaking views and historic ambiance; it’s about actively participating in the ongoing efforts to preserve and manage this ancient site. Students live among those who have painstakingly renovated the building, learning firsthand about the complexities involved in maintaining such a historic property while keeping it functional and accessible to the public.
During their stay, the program also takes students to an active Etruscan archaeological site. Here, they collaborate with archaeologists, gaining hands-on experience in excavation and artifact preservation. This fieldwork is incredibly enriching as it ties historical insights to modern-day cultural management and conservation techniques. The students will also live among these archaeologists and share evening ‘salon series’ discussions with them.
From Tuscany, we go immediately to Milan, where the artifacts unearthed from the site we visited are showcased in a museum. This part of the trip allows students to see the end-to-end process of archaeological discovery, from the initial dig to the final display, highlighting the role of arts managers in bringing historical discoveries to a broader audience.
Moreover, while in Tuscany, discussions on sustainability and ecotourism are woven into the curriculum. The castle’s grounds are a prime example of sustainable management, as they produce their own wine, olives, and other produce. This introduces students to sustainable practices within the arts and heritage sectors, emphasizing how environmental stewardship can be integrated with cultural tourism and conservation.
This trip, like many others in the program, is designed to be deeply engaging and intellectually stimulating, ensuring that students not only learn about global arts management but also experience it dynamically and directly. Such experiences are designed to be profoundly interesting and highly relevant, preparing students to handle the challenges and opportunities of arts management in diverse and changing environments
What specific cultural and artistic institutions do students have the opportunity to engage with during their time in the MMIAM program?
During their tenure in the MMIAM program, students have the exceptional opportunity to engage directly with a broad spectrum of prestigious cultural and artistic institutions globally. This includes behind-the-scenes tours as well as meetings with CEOs and executives.
Starting in Dallas, students explore innovative spaces like Meow Wolf, known for its immersive art experiences, and engage with major funders such as the Communities Foundation of Texas and the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture. They also experience traditional arts venues like the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Heritage Auctions, providing a comprehensive view of both the nonprofit and commercial sides of the arts
In Montréal, our students visit Cirque du Soleil’s creative headquarters, where they tour the facilities and meet key figures such as Daniel Lamarre, the former President and CEO. This offers deep insights into one of the most innovative entertainment companies worldwide. Further interactions include visits to Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, enriching their understanding of North American arts management.
The program’s European leg includes time at Bocconi University in Milan, where students delve into the Italian arts scene, visiting iconic institutions like La Scala and contemporary ones such as Fondazione Prada. Additional stops in other European cities expose students to a variety of cultural organizations that represent the rich cultural heritage of the continent.
Moreover, the curriculum extends to emerging markets such as India and China, where students explore arts management in different economic contexts, enhancing their global perspective and understanding of international cultural policy. Through these diverse experiences across Dallas, Montréal, Milan, and beyond, MMIAM students not only learn about varied management styles and strategies but also build a network of international contacts that supports their future careers in arts management.
Could you describe the role of the International Advisory Board in shaping the curriculum and overall experience of MMIAM students?
The International Advisory Board plays a crucial role in shaping the MMIAM program by ensuring our curriculum remains at the forefront of global arts management education. With members drawn from esteemed positions within the arts community worldwide, their insights help us integrate current trends and practical challenges into our coursework. They provide strategic guidance on evolving the program to meet emerging needs, such as digital innovation and global cultural policy shifts, ensuring our curriculum is both relevant and forward-looking.
Furthermore, the board enhances the student experience by leveraging their extensive networks to offer unique professional opportunities. This includes facilitating internships, collaborative projects, and guest lectures, which are integral for practical learning and career development. Their involvement ensures that students gain direct exposure to leading practices in arts management and build valuable professional connections that can propel their careers in the arts sector.
How does the MMIAM program foster cross-cultural collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds?
Our program thrives on diversity. We foster an environment where students from various backgrounds collaborate and learn from each other, enriching their educational experience and preparing them for global careers. Living, studying, and traveling together for a year, students are required to adapt to new environments and challenges continuously. This shared journey not only fosters resilience but also deepens mutual understanding.
Each region we visit brings a student closer to home while pushing another out of their comfort zone. Having a peer who understands the local language, cultural practices, and societal norms acts as a bridge, illuminating these differences and similarities for the group. This dynamic ensures that each student, at some point, will play the role of both a learner and a cultural ambassador. The constant exchange of perspectives and experiences is what truly enables our students to become adept at navigating and managing across cultures. Every student, at some point, will find themselves in unfamiliar territory, and it’s here that the richest learning occurs.
Alumni of the MMIAM program have achieved success in various arts management roles worldwide. Can you share some examples of how the program has impacted their careers?
Our alumni are our greatest testament. Their careers span the globe and the arts sector, from managing top-tier arts festivals to leading community-based cultural initiatives. Their success is a direct result of the comprehensive education and diverse experiences they received here. For example, one alumnus now leads a major arts festival in Europe, applying lessons from their international exposure and network formed during the MMIAM program. Another has transformed a local arts organization by implementing innovative management strategies learned during their studies. These stories are not just of career advancement but of profound impact on the communities they serve.
In what ways does the MMIAM program prepare students to address the unique challenges and opportunities in the global arts management industry?
Preparation comes through exposure and engagement. Students face challenges firsthand and learn to navigate complex cultural landscapes. This is done through coursework that reflects the latest industry demands and through immersive experiences in diverse settings. From Dallas’ new arts scene to China’s ancient crafts, our students gain a panoramic view of the arts world. They learn not just to manage, but to lead in ways that respect and leverage cultural differences, driving innovation and change in the global arts sector.
What sets apart an ideal candidate for the MMIAM program, and how do scholarships contribute to attracting such candidates?
An ideal candidate is passionate, curious, and driven by a desire to make a difference in the arts world. Scholarships help us attract these bright minds, ensuring that the best talents can pursue their dreams regardless of their financial situation.
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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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