Ep. 2: Cultivating New Voices in Arts Journalism with Michael Zarathus-Cook

The Opera Glasses Podcast

In this episode, I, Elizabeth Bowman, am joined by the insightful Michael Zarathus-Cook, Managing Editor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Chief Editor of Cannopy Magazine. We're peeling back the curtain on the Emerging Arts Writer Program at the Banff Centre (part of Joel Ivany's Chamber Music and Opera program), revealing the nuts and bolts of nurturing new, vibrant voices in arts journalism. Michael, leaving his basketball enthusiasm courtside, brings his wealth of experience to our conversation, focusing on the need for writers who can create captivating arts coverage that resonates with audiences far and wide.
Linking arms with the creative community is like finding a map to hidden treasure. This episode isn't just about discussion; it's about action, about placing writers in the thick of the creative process, where inspiration flows. We explore how a national registry for arts writers might just be the golden ticket. As our chat winds down, we envision a future where writers and Canadian publications join forces, thanks to programs like Banff Centre's upcoming Emerging Arts Writers component, ensuring a tapestry of structured, intelligent, and emotive arts journalism. Michael and I are excited to share our combined vision, bolstering the connections and opportunities for arts writers across the board.
To apply to the program visit this link. The deadline is January 31, 2024.

All episodes of The Opera Glasses podcast are hosted by Opera Canada Editor-In-Chief, Elizabeth Bowman. Follow Opera Canada on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Visit OperaCanada.ca for all of your Canadian Opera news and reviews.

Chapters

1. Arts Journalism in North America (00:00:01)

2. Navigating Intimidation in Arts Writing (00:14:22)

3. Arts Writers Connect Communities and Expand Opportunities (00:25:46)

4. Expanding Opportunities and Partnerships for Writers (00:37:38)