U-M Creative Currents

Arts Initiative
  • 5.0 (3)
  • PERFORMING ARTS

Explore the transformative power of the arts! Introducing "Creative Currents" - a new podcast from the University of Michigan's Arts Initiative that will tackle big and small questions at the intersection of art, culture, and society.

  1. Film 101: Colin Gunckel

    OCT 21

    Film 101: Colin Gunckel

    In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague sits down with historian and professor Colin Gunckel from the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science and the Arts. Gunckel is a faculty member in both the Program in American Culture and the Department of Film, Television, and Media (FTVM), where he also serves as department chair. Colin shares insights from his extensive experience teaching film and media studies. As a historian specializing in Latinx media and art, Latin American cinema, and popular culture linking the U.S. and Mexico, he brings a rich transnational perspective to his work. His book Mexico on Main Street: Transnational Film Culture in Los Angeles before World War II (Rutgers University Press, 2015) explores the relationship between Mexican audiences, the rise of Hollywood, and the development of Mexican cinema. This fall, students across U-M will collaborate with internationally acclaimed performer and filmmaker John Cameron Mitchell—visiting faculty in LSA’s FTVM Department—through the Arts Initiative’s Student Creative Fellowship program. Their work will culminate in a public showcase on November 16. Additional Show Links: FTVM Full Calendar of EventsJohn Cameron Mitchell – Fall 2025, Visiting Professor, Writer, Director, PerformerMichigan Theatre Free Showings on Mondays at 10 a.m.New Course: FTVM 368.002 – Queer and Trans GamingRelated episodes: The Arts on Screen: How film shapes student life at U-M with Lauren HorneDiscussing Disfluency with Anna Baumgarten & Danny Mooney*Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series and is edited by Sly Pup Productions. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

    30 min
  2. Arts Research + Creative Practice: Clare Croft and Anne Mondro on U-M’s ARIA Program

    OCT 15

    Arts Research + Creative Practice: Clare Croft and Anne Mondro on U-M’s ARIA Program

    In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague talks with Clare Croft, Faculty Director of Research & Creative Practice for the U-M Arts Initiative, and Anne Mondro, visual artist and professor at the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design. This episode is part of Creative Currents’ special podcast series on the Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 – October 26, 2025). Featured Programming & Highlights include: ARIA Faculty Research Showcase, October 23 at 4 p.m., Michigan Union BallroomFaculty projects exploring art, health, design, and interdisciplinary collaborationWorks highlighted during the episode include: Mondro’s Tethered, Perpetual Sunshine & The Ghost Girls, The Heirloom Project, and Hygroscopic EnvelopeCroft discusses how the Arts Research: Incubation & Acceleration (ARIA) program elevates creative practice as research, fostering new interdisciplinary partnerships across campus. Mondro shares insights on Tethered, her ARIA-funded project using woven metal forms to explore empathy, illness, and human connection through art. *Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series and is edited by Sly Pup Productions. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

    29 min
  3. U-M Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning: Anya Sirota

    OCT 7

    U-M Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning: Anya Sirota

    In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Anya Sirota, designer, professor, and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Initiatives at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. This episode is part of Creative Currents’ podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 – October 26, 2025). Featured Programming & Highlights include: Rebetiko by France's Anima Theatre, October 24–25 at the Detroit Institute of ArtsWeeklong campus residency with Taubman College studentsTV Lab and Taubman Lecture Series featuring innovative voices in design and architectureAnya discusses her role leading Akoaki, a design practice working at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and social engagement. She shares insights on the Detroit Cultural Center Initiative, the learning design of Taubman’s studios, and how architecture can foster civic imagination, equity, and collective expression. *Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series and is edited by Sly Pup Productions. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

    29 min
  4. LSA’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program: Aaron Coleman

    OCT 7

    LSA’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program: Aaron Coleman

    In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague talks with Aaron Coleman, poet, translator, and professor of English and Comparative Literature in U-M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He also serves on the faculty of the U-M Helen Zell Writers’ Program. Coleman shares how poetry and translation shape his creative practice and how the Michigan literary community fosters dialogue across cultures and identities. As part of the Michigan Arts Festival series, Aaron previews the Zell Visiting Writers Series, which welcomes acclaimed poet and essayist Roger Reeves to campus for readings and craft talks on October 16–17, 2025. Listeners will hear excerpts from Coleman’s award-winning collection Red Wilderness (Winner of the 2020 GLCA New Writers Award) as he explores how translation breathes new life into poetry—bridging languages, cultures, and time. *Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series and is edited by Sly Pup Productions. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

    24 min
  5. U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance: Paul Feeny

    SEP 30

    U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance: Paul Feeny

    In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Paul Feeny, Director of Concerts & Events at the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre & Dance. This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 - October 26, 2025). Featured Programming & Highlights include: SMTD presents Gloria and Cabaret on October 2 at Arthur Miller Theatre & the Lydia Mendelssohn TheatreBand & Choir Collaborative Concert on October 3 in Hill AuditoriumPercussion Ensemble on October 5 in the McIntosh TheatreContemporary Directions Ensemble on October 7 in the Stamps AuditoriumStrings Showcase on October 17 in Britton Recital HallThe Legendary Count Basie Orchestra on October 24 in the Power CenterUniversity Orchestra Halloween Concert on October 26 (festival finale)Paul discusses his role in overseeing SMTD's 1,000+ event performance calendar, shares what makes North Campus venues unique destinations for audiences, and highlights how the Michigan Arts Festival creates opportunities for artists and audiences to discover collaborative work happening across campus disciplines—from commissioned orchestral premieres to student showcases that blend tradition with innovation. *Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series which kicks off on September 25, 2025 and is edited by Sly Pup Productions. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

    21 min
  6. U-M Stamps Gallery: Srimoyee Mitra

    SEP 23

    U-M Stamps Gallery: Srimoyee Mitra

    In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Srimoyee Mitra, Director of the Stamps Gallery at the University of Michigan. This episode is part of a U-M Creative Currents' podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 - October 26, 2025). Featured Programming & Highlights include: Untold Stories, Part II: a Stamps Faculty exhibitionThe Bureau of Personal Belonging: a Stacy L. Kirby exhibition (opens September 27)ArtsRx social prescribing program and wellness programmingOngoing rotating exhibitions throughout the yearStamps Gallery location and accessibility information for new visitorsSrimoyee discusses the Stamps Gallery's mission to showcase contemporary art and design, shares what makes the gallery a unique destination for both campus and community visitors, and highlights the special exhibitions and wellness programming that connect audiences to transformative artistic experiences during the Michigan Arts Festival and beyond. *Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series which kicks off on September 25, 2025 and is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Sly Pup Productions. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

    28 min
  7. UMS: Cayenne Harris & Mark Jacobson

    SEP 16

    UMS: Cayenne Harris & Mark Jacobson

    In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Cayenne Harris, Vice President for Learning & Engagement, and Mark Jacobson, Vice President for Programming and Production, both from the University Musical Society (UMS). This episode is part of a U-M Creative Currents' podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 - October 26, 2025).  UMS serves as the University of Michigan's performing arts presenter, bringing world-class musicians, dance companies, and theater works to southeast Michigan. Cayenne is a nationally recognized leader in arts education and community engagement who oversees programs for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Mark oversees dance, music and theater programming with a special passion for jazz, having built U-M's ongoing partnership with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Featured Programming & Highlights include: Verdi's "Requiem" (September 26)Nigamon / Tunai (October 2-8)Makaya McCraven (October 10)Ballet BC (October 17)Belcea Quartet (October 19)Philharmonia Orchestra, London (October 24)Herbie Hancock (October 25)Imani Winds Imani Winds & Andy Akiho, steel drum The BeLonging Project (October 26)Special ticket programs, including a free “Bert's Ticket” for U-M studentsOctober 2025 New Faculty Reception Upcoming programming: Gatz (March 2026) and Rhiannon Giddens (April 2026)Cayenne and Mark discuss UMS's mission to deepen the impact of arts on campus and in the community, share what first-time concertgoers need to know about attending performing arts events, and highlight the special programming and engagement opportunities that connect audiences to world-class artists. *Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series which kicks off on September 25, 2025 and is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Sly Pup Productions. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

    28 min
  8. UMMA: Jim Leija

    SEP 11

    UMMA: Jim Leija

    In this episode of U-M Creative Currents, host Mark Clague interviews Jim Leija, Deputy Director for Public Experience, Learning, & Operations at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA). This episode is part of a U-M Creative Currents' podcast series building excitement for the inaugural Michigan Arts Festival (September 25 - October 26, 2025). Jim is a nationally recognized arts leader and educator who leads strategic efforts to make UMMA more welcoming, accessible, and community engaged. Before joining UMMA, Jim spent nearly a decade at the University Musical Society (UMS), where he built programs connecting the performing arts with students, the campus, and the community. A proud three-time Michigan alum, Jim's work sits at the intersection of art, education, and social impact. Featured Exhibitions & Memberships include: "Both Sides of the Line" featuring abstract artists Carmen Herrera and Leon Polk Smith, plus special programming like Artscapade! and Feel Good Friday. UMMA's new membership programsExhibition Tour: Both Sides of the Line: Carmen Herrera & Leon Polk SmithTips for first-time museum visitorsJim highlights UMMA's commitment to accessibility—the museum is completely free and offers everything from quick visits to extended exploration, plus collaborations with the Arts Initiative, Public Art, and the University Libraries that extend the museum's impact beyond its walls. *Production Note: This episode is part of U-M Creative Currents' special Michigan Arts Festival podcast series which kicks off on September 25, 2025 and is produced by Jessica Jenks and edited by Sly Pup Productions. Subscribe to the Arts Initiative Newsletter Checkout our website Learn more about the Michigan Arts Festival

    22 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Explore the transformative power of the arts! Introducing "Creative Currents" - a new podcast from the University of Michigan's Arts Initiative that will tackle big and small questions at the intersection of art, culture, and society.

Information

  • Creator
    Arts Initiative
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 U-M Creative Currents
  • Show Website
    U-M Creative Currents