Meet Peter Kalal — cultural strategist, researcher, and visionary thinker working at the intersection of imagination and institutional transformation. Based in Brooklyn, Peter collaborates with Fortune 500 companies, family offices, and cultural institutions through his work at Arthur M. Cohen Advisors, crafting future-forward strategies that spark growth, connection, and a renewed sense of belonging.
In this preview, join Peter Kalal and Anna Robb as they explore the evolving meaning of cultural belonging, the role of curiosity in strategy, and how imagination can be a powerful tool for institutional change. Enjoy this sneak peek into their conversation—and don’t forget to tune in next week for the full-length episode!
What major shifts are happening in audience behavior in the live arts post-pandemic?
We’re living through a cultural reset. Audiences are overwhelmed by the pace and volume of digital content—streaming, social media, AI-generated media—which has created what I’d call a crisis of connection. But the silver lining is that people are now seeking real, shared experiences more than ever. There’s increasing demand for live arts that offer togetherness, calm, and meaning—something digital content can’t replicate. What we’re seeing is not just escapism but a deep hunger for human experiences that affirm our shared humanity.
How are younger audiences engaging with live performance, and what does that mean for programming strategy?
Younger demographics are less interested in season subscriptions and more inclined to make spontaneous decisions about what to attend. Many discover events through Instagram or digital word of mouth and prefer the flexibility of one-off ticketing. This generation values autonomy and timing—they want to decide on a whim whether to see a 5 PM or 10 PM show. Institutions must adopt an on-demand mindset, offering multiple performance times and low-barrier access. It’s about meeting audiences where they are, not asking them to conform to traditional schedules.
What lessons can the live arts take from sports or other industries in building loyal audiences?
Look at soccer—people don’t attend games because of curated programming, they go out of identity, ritual, and belonging. They support “the club,” not the content. The arts can tap into this by creating cultural ecosystems that foster fandom and community, not just event attendance. That includes merchandise, social media content, behind-the-scenes narratives, and spaces for fan subcultures to emerge organically. Think of it as “local placemaking with global reach.” Audiences want both intimacy and relevance—they want to feel part of something.
How can live arts institutions better communicate their value in an AI-saturated world?
We need to reframe the narrative. For decades, we’ve tried to prove the value of the arts through metrics that make sense in the business or STEM world—ROI, attendance, etc. But arts’ true value lies in imagination, empathy, and meaning—qualities we especially need in times of political unrest, climate anxiety, and technological upheaval. AI will make cultural production faster and cheaper, but it can’t replicate the human experience or collaborative creativity. The arts must own this space. Institutions need to better articulate that every ticket is subsidized—and invite people to invest in shared humanity.
What role does behind-the-scenes storytelling play in building audience connection?
It’s huge. With the rise of “behind-the-curtain” content like Drive to Survive in Formula One, people love understanding how things are made. The arts need to do more of this. Let audiences see the sweat, conflict, and triumphs that go into a production—the human effort behind the magic. Not only does it build emotional investment, but it also helps communicate the cost and complexity of cultural work. We shouldn’t be afraid to show the process—it deepens connection and creates a sense of belonging. Think of it as inviting the audience into the family.
Key Insights from the Podcast
Audiences crave slower, more meaningful experiences in contrast to the high-speed digital world; live arts must become spaces of respite and connection.
Flexibility is key—on-demand access, repeat performances, and varied showtimes make live arts more accessible for modern lifestyles.
Belonging drives loyalty—just like sports fandom, live arts should cultivate communities, rituals, and a sense of identity.
We must move from defense to offense in how we talk about arts—focusing on emotional impact, human connection, and irreplaceable value in a tech-driven era.
Human-centered creation still matters—AI may streamline tasks, but the alchemy of creative collaboration is what makes masterpieces.
This post was last modified on June 8, 2025 7:53 am