June 4, 2024

Douglas McLennan, Founder & Editor, ArtsJournal (Part 1)

Douglas McLennan talks to Matt Lehrman on the Community Catalysts podcast.

Douglas McLennan

Founder & Editor, ArtsJournal 

“It’s All About Audience” — Doug McLennan, the founder and editor of ArtsJournal, shares perspectives from 25 years at the confluence of journalism, arts and digital technology. “To say that audiences for the arts are declining,” he says, “completely misses the idea. There’s more creativity, more ability to produce creative things. Arts education is flourishing in a way it never has before.”


Listen on Apple, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.

LISTEN HERE

Douglas McLennan talks to Matt Lehrman on the Community Catalysts podcast.



ABOUT THE PODCAST: Mayors, council members, police chiefs, foundation CEOs and other local leaders share their hard-won lessons about making a difference in their community. More than a showcase for stories, “Community Catalysts” offers a durable demonstration that concepts like vision, courage, leadership, inclusivity, trust and collaboration are more than intangible values. The experiences shared convey specific knowledge and skills that deserve to be shared, honed and put into practice.


APPLY HERE to be a podcast guest.





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