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Michigan Creates

Michigan Creates

Written by: Ara Topouzian
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About this listen

ABOUT MICHIGAN CREATES:
Explore the vibrant arts and culture landscape of Michigan, a state with a thriving creative ecosystem that has birthed iconic movements like Motown and The Purple Rose Theater. Home to legendary musicians, writers, and artists, Michigan boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage known worldwide. Michigan Creates is a podcast series that will connect listeners with gifted artists and cultural institutions that are nurturing Michigan's vibrant creative landscape.

PODCAST HOST:
Join your host, Ara Topouzian, an award-winning Armenian musician and advocate for the arts in Michigan. Ara will converse with artists and cultural institutions while exploring the intersection of music and culture and highlighting their work to bolster the artist community that sustains Michigan's creative economy.

© 2025 Topes Productions, LLC Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Michigan Creates Guest: Esther Triggs, Interlochen Center for the Arts

    Michigan Creates Guest: Esther Triggs, Interlochen Center for the Arts
    Dec 5 2025

    In this special episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian sits down with Esther Triggs, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Interlochen Center for the Arts—a world-renowned creative institution in northern Michigan dedicated to inspiring and educating young artists.

    Esther shares how she uses theatre, dialogue, play, and data to challenge traditional power structures and disrupt unconscious bias. Their conversation explores how creativity can be a powerful tool for driving equity, empathy, and lasting cultural change.

    Support the show

    Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com
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    30 mins
  • Michigan Creates Guest: Lyla Catellier, Cranbrook Art Museum

    Michigan Creates Guest: Lyla Catellier, Cranbrook Art Museum
    Oct 25 2025

    In this episode of Michigan Creates, host Ara Topouzian sits down with Lyla Catellier, Curator of Public Programs at the Cranbrook Art Museum. Lyla shares insights into how the museum engages audiences through innovative exhibitions and creative programming. From connecting art to community to fostering collaboration across disciplines, this conversation explores how creativity thrives at one of Michigan’s most iconic cultural institutions.

    Support the show

    Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Michigan Creates Guest: Rodney Lontine, Flint Institute of Music

    Michigan Creates Guest: Rodney Lontine, Flint Institute of Music
    Sep 25 2025

    Ara chats with Rodney Lontine, President & CEO of the Flint Institute of Music (FIM). With a career dedicated to the arts, Rodney shares how FIM serves as a cultural cornerstone in Michigan through its world-class programming, community engagement, and educational opportunities. From inspiring young musicians to connecting audiences with transformative performances, Rodney discusses the power of music and the role FIM plays in enriching lives across the region.

    Support the show

    Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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