Citing Art’s ‘Infinite Capacity for Reinvention,’ Arts Administration Director DeNatale Offers Positive Forecast for Evolving Field

Like so many spaces, the art world is in the midst of massive change. Technology, an evolving post-pandemic economy, and dynamic reevaluations of cultural norms are only among some of the disruptors facing the field. Still, as Associate Professor of the Practice and Director of Arts Administration Doug DeNatale sees it, this spirit of change brings tremendous opportunity for those entering the arena. In a recent interview with BU Today, DeNatale offered his perspective, saying that while there is certainly cause for concern, “[T]here is an equally strong case for optimism, for the simple reason that the arts have an infinite capacity for reinvention.”

He added that “a number of nonprofit arts organizations . . . emerged from the pandemic in better financial shape than before.” DeNatale also pointed out that while there are many with concerns about the impact generative AI will have on all facets of the economy, he teaches the MS in Arts Administration students in his Technology and Arts Administration (MET AR 740) course to use AI as a tool, to amplify their creative and organizational efforts.