In 2021, after five wonderful (and stressful) years, I finally got my Bachelor’s degree in Art History. And, as most graduates, faced a difficult question: what’s next? I wanted to do something that would allow me to share my knowledge and at the same time learn new things – so I decided to start a podcast. Here, I want to talk about my experience of making a podcast about art and culture and share some tips for everyone who wants to try it.
A podcast is a perfect format for beginners because it allows you to experiment and does not require large investments, especially at the start. Podcasts have rapidly become a go-to platform for curious minds and creative spirits, offering an accessible and engaging way to explore new ideas. Unlike YouTube videos, you don’t need an expensive camera and light—many people start with a simple microphone or even a phone recorder (the first episodes of my podcast were recorded in the closet of my apartment). I started by transforming some of my old texts into little scenarios and tried to adapt them to the format by imagining that I was telling the story to my friend. Then I experimented with editing and sound effects to make the stories more lively. Even though it was all very new for me back then, I enjoyed the process of creating new episodes and learning more with every one of them.
But, since I was working primarily with the visual arts, and my podcast was about that too, the question quickly arose – how do you talk about paintings and sculptures without being able to show them? At first, I thought there was no way to do it without the visual component, but then I remembered that I had a whole subject at university called “Describing and Analyzing Works of Art”, so technically I already knew how to do that. Imagination is a powerful tool, and with a good, detailed description, the listener doesn’t always have to see the work to understand what it’s about. Plus, they may be interested in searching for images on their own – to make it easier for them, I leave all the images I mention in the episodes on the podcast’s social media accounts.
Another problem I had was striking a balance between an academic and an entertaining approach. At that time, I had a few years of university studies behind me and experience working in a museum, where I mostly wrote academic texts. They were interesting to my professors and colleagues, but too complicated for someone without such a background. I wanted to tell something simpler and easier to understand, but not simplify the material too much so that I could still talk about complex and sophisticated topics. To do this, as mentioned above, I imagined that I was retelling these stories to my friends or my mom, and sometimes directly tested my scripts on them. In the process, I also wanted to read some books on drama and screenwriting so that I could turn, for example, biographies of artists into compelling stories. This helped me a lot, and I still use many of these techniques in my work today.
Lastly, I had a hard time at first figuring out which stories to tell. For example, there are a million different materials about Vincent van Gogh, and it seemed like a strange idea to do another one – but many people want to hear about van Gogh much more than they want to hear about some unknown artist! At the same time, any story can be told in new ways, emphasized in unexpected places, interesting parallels can be drawn… Now I try to mix stories about little-known characters from the art world and those that most people have heard of – so yes, I have episodes about Van Gogh, the Impressionists, and Picasso, although I didn’t originally plan to talk about that. And I feel it works pretty well because my listeners always tell me they managed to learn something new about these well-known people.
Podcasts about art and culture are more than just entertainment – they are windows into creative process, historical movements, and cultural debates that shape the way we experience the world.
If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, here are some tips that might help:
- Think carefully about the concept – it shouldn’t be just “an art podcast”, but something that will distinguish you from other similar projects. It’s important to find some interesting aspects or unusual optics that you can offer to your listener.
- Plan at least 5-10 episodes in advance – if you know what you’re going to talk about next, you’ll feel much more confident and will be able to stick to the original concept without difficulty.
- Work well on the descriptions – factual information is not always well absorbed by the ear, and vivid and detailed descriptions spark the imagination, making the story more exciting and interesting.
- Test your scripts on family and friends and don’t be afraid to ask for advice – when you’ve been working with material for a long time, it can be difficult for you to assess how understandable and interesting it is. And, in the discussion process, new facts and funny jokes may come to your mind!
Listen to my podcast here (note: it is in Russian): https://alenushka.mave.digital
Whether you are a seasoned artist, a student of culture, or simply curious about the world of creativity, there’s a podcast out there that speaks to your interests. We hope these recommendations inspire you to press play and embark on your own journey through the sounds of art and culture.
“All About Art”– explore world and culture, from breaking news and cultural policy analyses to through provoking book reviews, this podcast brings you insider knowledge from across the creative sector.
“In Retrospect” – join award-winning journalists Susie Banikarim and Jessica Bennett as they revisit the iconic pop culture moments from the ’80s and ’90s that shaped our worldviews and ask: What did they teach us about society, and more importantly, about a woman’s place in it? It’s not just a trip down memory lane; it’s a cultural investigation with humor, insight, and a fresh perspective on the stories that made us who we are.
“Spark & Fire: Fuel Your Creativity” – explore the behind the scenes of the world’s most admired creatives, transforming the elusive “creative process” into an inspiring and thrilling hero’s journey. Each episode is told entirely in the artist’s own words, offering an intimate look into their minds as they bring their iconic work to life. From breakthroughs to setbacks, every story is crafted to fuel your own creative path, with actionable insights that you can apply to your projects.
“Art Laughs” – Hosted by Verity Babbs, this witty and down-to-earth podcast brings together art and comedy like never before. Each episode, Verity invites some of the UK’s funniest personalities to dive into a chosen artwork, sparking relaxed and honest conversations that strip away the pretensions of the art world.
“Talk Art” – the go-to podcast for art lovers, museum-goers, and anyone curious about creativity and culture. Hosted by gallerist Robert Diament and actor Russell Tovey, this hit series takes an open, relaxed, and refreshingly down-to-earth approach to exploring the art world.
“EdHeroes Voices” – the podcast that connects changemakers, educators, and community leaders worldwide to accelerate education projects and innovations. Dive into inspiring conversations with education pioneers, share innovative solutions, and spotlight the projects making real change on both local and global levels.
“Curating Conversation” – the podcast that brings you inside the vibrant and diverse world of the creative industry. Hosted by Leo Sartain, a featured curator at The Rafiki Gallery, this podcast delves into candid and insightful discussions with an eclectic range of guests—from DJs and professors to artists and auctioneers. Each episode explores the unique experiences, challenges, and triumphs of professionals in the creative field, uncovering the many ways art and culture influence our lives.
“ArtTactic” – a must-listen source for expert insights on the art market. Explore everything from art investment strategies to broader trends shaping the global art market. Each episode features in-depth interviews with influential figures—art collectors, dealers, market analysts, and artists—providing listeners with a front-row seat to the dynamic world of art.
“Ask an Artist” – join artists Laura Boswell and Peter Keegan as they dive into the real-world challenges of making art your career. With candid conversations and insights drawn from their own experiences, Laura and Peter offer practical advice for artists looking to turn their passion into a sustainable livelihood. From navigating the business side of art to refining your creative practice, this podcast provides invaluable tips for artists at any stage of their journey.
“Arts & Ecology” – explore the deep connections between culture and the environment, offering fresh perspectives on today’s most pressing ecological and social challenges. Each episode dives into big ideas, from climate change to sustainability, while featuring insightful interviews with diverse voices—scientists, artists, activists, and local community members.