This month's Artist Commissioning Program podcast asks, "What is it like to be a cultural gatekeeper?", featuring an exclusive interview with David Johnston, Executive Director of Exploring the Metropolis (EtM) and ACP Advisory Council Member. 

The episode discusses the categories cultural gatekeepers consider in evaluating artists' applications. We also hear behind-the-scenes feedback from art producers Greg Mays, Ari Pavlakis, and Margot Yale on the topics of artistic merit, clarity, & project feasibility.

The theme music, entitled “Put in the Work,” was created by ACP Awardee in Music Composition, Neil Padukone. This podcast was produced by Program Manager Kelly Olshan and Audio Engineer Collin Cornwell, and Edited by Collin Cornwell.

What is it like to be a cultural gatekeeper?

QCA's mission is to foster and develop the arts in Queens County and to support individual artists and arts organizations in presenting their cultural diversity for the benefit of the community. This podcast features interviews and highlights events and services tailored to fit the needs of Queens-based artists.

The Queens Council on the Arts (QCA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1966.