Ep. 132- Ben Johnson
Questions asked or topics discussed:
Could you share what your arts training and experience was when you were younger? (6:13)
A lot of artist or those pursuing that type of career often have a moment when they realize “maybe I don’t want to preform anymore” or “what I loved about it has changed”. For you what was the thought process that  recognition? - Ben talks about when he decided that he didn’t like working backstage anymore and knew that he was not going to pursue and theatre arts career. Which started the shift into his current position in arts administration. (11:06)
Is there anything you would recommend for someone who is being introduced to this concept or has students who are considering school but would like to stay in the arts community? Anyone they should be following or specifically looking at? - Advice on making a decision when thinking of school or a career. (13:25)
Do you have any guidelines or personal beliefs around internships and even just the general idea of working for free in the arts community? - Lauren and Ben talk about internships and the idea of working for free. - Finding the balance of what do you do for free and how long do you do it for free. (16:07)
The program and creation of curriculum of Hubbard and Ailey, what does that mean? - Discussing Bens role in creating curriculum. (17:45)
I’m curious, what changed with your opinion with LA Ailey verses New York Ailey? - Ben talks about Ailey’s history and dance history in other places verses New York. (25:13)
Are there any books or documentaries that every dancer, every dance teacher should read this one, or this was one of my favourites? (36:19)
The LA dance platform, what was the original intention for that platform, for that event? - Ben discusses taking a deep dive into choreographers and history. A group of administrators getting together to share information. Then the discuss the LA scene and impact of LA dance platforms further. (46:55)
When it comes to positions of leadership and your own personal journey, any words of wisdom or big moments of reflection? - Asking Ben’s ideas and advice on leadership, given the past large lead ship roles he has been given and tasked with. (57:10)
Ben comes to the Department of Cultural Affairs from UCLA where he has served as the Program Manager at the Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA (CAP-UCLA) in Los Angeles, considered.
Previously, Ben was the Director of Programs at United States Artists (LA), the Director of Northrop Concerts and Lectures at the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, and the Director of Education and Audience Development at the University Musical Society at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (MI). He also worked at the Ordway Music Theater (St. Paul), and interned at the American Dance Festival (NC) and Walker Art Center (MN).
