Explore the transformative power of the arts! Creative Currents, a podcast from the University of Michigan's Arts Initiative, tackles big and small questions at the intersection of art, culture, and society.

Creative Currents 11/6/24 Creative Currents 11/6/24

Hey, We Need to Talk

Philippa Hughes’ "Hey, We Need to Talk!" exhibition embodies the four pillars of flourishing outlined in U-M Professor Jenna Bednar's research—community, sustainability, dignity, and beauty.

Creative Currents 10/31/24 Creative Currents 10/31/24

Campus Voting Project

Mark Clague walks through the 2024 Election Hub onsite at UMMA with Professors Stephanie Rowden and Hannah Smotrich to discuss the nonpartisan Creative Campus Voting Project.

Creative Currents 10/29/24 Creative Currents 10/29/24

Political Satire Meets Musical History

Andrew Kohler and Jacob Kerzner from the Gershwin Initiative discuss the Gershwin brothers' musical masterpiece, Of Thee I Sing.

Creative Currents 6/25/24 Creative Currents 6/25/24

The Arts on Screen: How film shapes student life at U-M with Lauren Horne

As the co-president of the Black Film Society and a multifaceted artist, Lauren Horne shares her journey from small-town Georgia to becoming a leader in Michigan's campus arts community.

Creative Currents 6/12/24 Creative Currents 6/12/24

Leading UMS & innovating campus arts with Matthew VanBesien

Matthew VanBesien, president of the acclaimed University Musical Society (UMS), offers his unique perspective from leading one of the nation's oldest university-based performing arts presenters.

Creative Currents 6/5/24 Creative Currents 6/5/24

Illuminating the role of university art museums with Christina Olsen

Mark Clague sits down with Christina Olsen, Director of the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA).

Creative Currents 4/26/24 Creative Currents 4/26/24

Arts Impact at University of Michigan with President Santa J. Ono

The role of the arts at the University of Michigan and in student learning and research, with President Santa J. Ono.

Creative Currents 4/22/24 Creative Currents 4/22/24

Exploring the intersection of the arts and mental health with Sasha Gusikhin

Sasha Gusikhin, an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan discusses her fascinating and surprisingly common double major…

Creative Currents 4/17/24 Creative Currents 4/17/24

Pan African Creative Exchange with Nike Jonah & Erwin Maas

In our very first episode host Mark Clague speaks with Nike Jonah and Erwin Maas about their work through the Pan-African Creative Exchange.