Ep 27. The Untold Life of an Arts Manager with Marta Keller Hernandez
Becoming an arts manager or Executive Director of an arts organization is often the dream of many emerging professionals in the arts sector. But what goes on behind the scenes with this job? On today’s episode, I talk to Marta Keller-Hernandez, Managing Director of Mural Routes, a small and mighty arts organization in Toronto. We had a candid conversation about this extremely rewarding and challenging career. Marta shares valuable insights for aspiring and newly-appointed arts managers, delving into topics often left unspoken in the journey of arts leadership.
Key highlights of this episode
- Marta's background and journey into arts administration [00:04:30]
- Key qualities for a successful arts administrator [00:13:50]
- Tackling the challenges of funding, sustainability, and diversity in the arts sector [00:18:46]
- Avoiding burnout and maintaining a healthy work-life balance when working as an Executive Director [00:30:10]
- The crucial role of decision-making and gaining experience in arts leadership [00:35:29]
About the guest:
Originally from Spain, Marta Keller-Hernandez is an arts administrator who moved to Toronto in 2012. She holds Degrees in Tourism and Humanities, and a Masters in Social Media Marketing from the University of Alicante (Spain), and became an international student of the Culture and Heritage Site Management program at Centennial College in 2013. In Toronto, Marta has worked with a wide range of arts and culture organizations such as Black Artists’ Networks Dialogue, Latin American Canadian Art Projects and Sur Gallery, Heritage Toronto, and Art Starts. Currently, she is Managing Director at Mural Routes. Marta is the co-founder and Director of Programming of Paralia Newcomer Arts Network. She is also the recipient of the 2017 & 2022 Newcomer and Refugee Artist Mentorship grant from the Toronto Arts Council in the capacity of mentor and a 2018 Toronto Arts Council Leaders Lab fellow.
Connect with Marta:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/martakellerh
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martakellerh/
This episode is also available on Youtube. Watch it here:
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The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.
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