Everyday Talent Podcast

S2EP6 From artist to arts program manager with Stephanie Draker from Work in Culture

Betty Xie Season 2 Episode 6

How do you navigate the twist and turns of a creative career?

It's not uncommon for artists to find themselves wearing multiple hats, shifting between creative roles and arts administration. My guest today, Stephanie Draker, shares her inspiring journey from being a working artist to becoming a successful arts manager. Stephanie's story is a testament to the power of transferable skills, resilience, and embracing the unexpected.

Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into navigating career transitions in the arts, discover the importance of transferable skills, and find inspiration in Stephanie's journey of resilience and passion

Key Takeaways:

  • 00:00:00 Intro 
  • 00:01:56 Stephanie's Career Journey 
  • 00:04:02 Twists and Turns in Stephanie's Career 
  • 00:09:00 Moments of Transition to Arts Management 
  • 00:11:18 Stephanie's Role at Work in Culture 
  • 00:12:11 Common Pain Points Faced by Artists 
  • 00:15:32 Staying Energized and Motivated 
  • 00:18:22 Work in Culture's Role in the Future of Work 
  • 00:22:50 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Arts 
  • 00:23:46 Advice for Entering the Arts Sector 
  • 00:28:06 The Love-Hate Relationship with the Arts 
  • 00:28:27 How to Connect with Work in Culture

About Stephanie: 

Stephanie is a Toronto-based arts manager. Over the last 16 years she has worked at several prominent arts organizations and heritage institutions developing and implementing strategic projects and programs for a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders. Stephanie joined the Work in Culture team in 2015 and has since worked on numerous initiatives to support the career advancement of artists and arts workers throughout Ontario and beyond. 

Connect with Stephanie and Work in Culture:

Website: https://workinculture.ca/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/workinculture 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workinculture.ca/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workinculture 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@workinculture 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workinculture/ and https://ca.linkedin.com/in/stephaniedraker 

Email: stephaniedraker@workinculture.ca 


About Betty

Betty Xie is a creative and career coach for creatives. Her 1:1 coaching program has helped photographers, filmmakers, visual artists, arts leaders, and arts consultants to design and implement intentional growth in their practice so that they can make their art and make happier money. Check out her 1:1 coaching programs here: www.xiebetty.com/coaching

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The Everyday Talent Podcast is produced by Betty Xie and Benice Detoon.