On November 11, 2023, Arts Admin Next (AAN) hosted its second roundtable event, “Navigating the Visual Arts Industry,” at TheBLANC. This event, planned and hosted by co-founders Joey Chen (ARAD ’24), Katerina Wang (ARAD ’24), Demi Zhao (ARAD ’25), and Xiaojing Zhu (ARAD ’25), was supported by a microgrant from the Arts Administration program at Teachers College, Columbia University (ARAD).
The roundtable featured distinguished alumni from Columbia University, New York University, and Sotheby’s Institute of Art, showcasing a panel of seasoned professionals in the arts industry. Esteemed guest speakers included Eliana Glicklich-Cohn (ARAD ’09, Senior Manager of Real Estate and Sustainability at The Museum of Modern Art), Kelly Olshan (ARAD ’17, Program Officer at the New York Foundation for the Arts), Isabella Caporuscio (VAA ’22, Manager of Academic Engagement at the Guggenheim Museum), and Maxime Van Melkebeke (SIA’16, Director at Hauser & Wirth). Their presence significantly contributed to bridging the gap between current students and industry veterans.
Drawing over 90 attendees, the event became a convergence of diverse perspectives and experiences. Students and professionals from the Arts Administration program at Teachers College (ARAD), the Visual Arts Administration program at New York University (VAA), and the Art Business program at Sotheby’s Institute of Art (SIA) came together in a shared space of learning and exchange.
The roundtable discussions spanned a wide range of topics. Speakers shared insights on their professional journeys, offering attendees a realistic view of the challenges and triumphs in the arts sector. They discussed the ever-evolving landscape of the art world, offering predictions and advice on navigating future trends. The discussions navigated through various terrains, from post-graduate professional journeys to envisaging future directions in the arts industry. The focus on practical networking strategies within the art world was particularly beneficial, providing relevant knowledge for emerging arts administrators.
The commitment of Arts Admin Next to fostering a vibrant community of arts administrators was palpable throughout the event. As we have introduced ourselves in the roundtable, “At Arts Admin Next, we are more than just an organization; we are a passionate community, a bridge that connects the next-generation arts administrators with professionals who have achieved great success in the arts sector. Our mission is to foster a diverse community where your passion for the arts is not just a solitary journey, but a shared adventure with like-minded souls.” Through annual roundtables, gallery tours, and networking events, AAN strives to provide a dynamic platform for arts administrators and practitioners to connect, discover opportunities, and share ideas in the vibrant city of New York.
The successful execution of this roundtable event stands as a significant testament to the ongoing dedication of Arts Admin Next (AAN) and the Arts Administration program at Teachers College, Columbia University (ARAD), in fostering a diverse and dynamic community within the realm of arts administration. AAN is proud to conclude this year’s roundtable, made possible through significant support from ARAD and the tireless efforts of a dedicated team following more than two months’ meticulous planning and preparation. AAN is actively preparing for the next roundtable, which will concentrate on the global art market and career pathways, specifically offering visa and career guidance for international students. Stay tuned for more upcoming AAN events which will be announced on their Instagram account @artsadminnext!
Photo Credit: Arts Admin Next and Sophia Xuanyi Chen (ARAD ’24)
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