In an era of remote work and reduced travel costs, cities compete on not only infrastructure, but also identity and vibrancy, making the role of public art in placemaking more than critical. At its best, placemaking weaves together culture, history, and innovation into a shared experience that fosters civic pride, attracts tourism, and reinvigorates underutilized spaces. 

We are excited to have the Ghost Ship featured by the Bright Brothers Strategy Group, a consultancy that works with cities, districts and DMOs on strategic planning, marketing, and placemaking. Created in 2014 by Mihai Baba and Daiana Folea of Biangle Studio, Ghost Ship is a luminous apparition—a sailing vessel that appears to float above the water, shimmering in the night air. First exhibited at the Amsterdam Light Festival, the installation has since traveled globally, mesmerizing audiences in Berlin, Liverpool, Singapore, Philadelphia, and beyond. 

But Ghost Ship is more than a technical feat; it is a case study in how large-scale immersive installations can transform a space and catalyze a deeper sense of place.

What distinguishes Ghost Ship is not just its visual allure, but its capacity to serve as a tool for community storytelling and engagement. Measuring nearly 20 meters high and created from intersecting light planes projected onto pressurized water spray, it harnesses cutting-edge technology to evoke centuries-old maritime legacies. Its very presence over a body of water invites reflection—on trade, migration, exploration, and the deep cultural relationships that communities have with their waterfronts.

This is what makes Ghost Ship ideal for public-facing activations: it is art that resonates with place. Maritime museums, riverfront districts, and urban renewal projects have all used the installation not merely as an attraction, but as a vehicle for identity-building. In Philadelphia, for instance, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission deployed Ghost Ship as part of its Waterfront Arts Program. The result was more than earned media and social buzz—it was a reawakening of civic memory through a hauntingly beautiful spectacle.

Seth Kaplan, in Fragile Neighborhoods, argues that repairing the fabric of American society requires reinvesting in the physical and social infrastructure of local communities, strengthening the bonds of trust, identity, and belonging that make neighborhoods resilient. Ghost Ship contributes to this kind of repair by creating moments of shared wonder that bring people together across lines of age, background, and belief. These installations don’t just beautify a place—they activate it, turning anonymous public spaces into sites of collective memory and emotional connection. In this way, experiential art can serve as soft infrastructure for social cohesion, aligning closely with Kaplan’s vision for restoring the human scale to civic life.

Cities and organizations can offset the cost of public arts investments with a mix of private sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and tourism-generated revenue. More importantly, installations of this kind offer more than short-term returns. They generate reputational capital, contributing to a district’s narrative as a destination for creativity, innovation, and culture.

We are excited about the progress to date with the Ghost Ship, the inclusion of it by Bright Brothers Strategy Group, and look forward to the communities that the installation will be able to touch in the years ahead, helping build community and shared experiences.

The Cultural Event of the Season

The Vienna Philharmonic Ball, held annually at the Musikverein in Vienna, is one of Europe’s most elegant cultural events. We’re thrilled for CM artist Maddalena Del Gobbo, renowned cellist and Deutsche Grammophon recording artist. Adorned in iconic Bulgari jewels and an elegant Lena Hoschek gown, Maddalena embodied a perfect fusion of artistry and timeless glamour at this year's event.

A Tradition of Excellence

Since 1924, the Vienna Philharmonic Ball has celebrated Vienna’s rich musical heritage. Set in the historic Golden Hall, the event features grand traditions like the opening procession and Viennese waltzes, showcasing Austria’s cultural identity to an international audience.

Bulgari: A Legacy of Elegance

Founded in 1884, Bulgari is an enduring symbol of Italian craftsmanship and sophistication. Known for bold designs and vibrant gemstones, the brand’s creations have graced icons across generations. Maddalena’s collaboration with Bulgari highlighted the shared values of excellence, creativity, and heritage.

Maddalena Del Gobbo: Timeless Artistry

A gifted artist celebrated for her sensitivity and precision, Maddalena Del Gobbo is a performer whose work bridges the traditional and the contemporary. Her presence at the Vienna Philharmonic Ball captured the essence of her artistry—a harmonious blend of elegance and innovation—perfectly complemented by Bulgari’s iconic designs.

CM Culture Management: Supporting Artists’ Visions

At CM Culture Management, we are dedicated to empowering artists to collaborate with brands that reflect their unique values and artistic vision. Maddalena’s partnership with Bulgari exemplifies the kind of meaningful opportunities that elevate both the artist and the art.

As Living Opera reflects on the success of their recent album, All Is Bright, we are excited to share our collaboration with the iconic Bristol Vienna. This partnership went beyond providing a stunning backdrop for the album’s photoshoot; it brought together two brands united by their dedication to artistry, culture, and innovation.

A Photoshoot in Grandeur

The Bristol Vienna, with its opulent architecture and timeless elegance, was the ideal setting for All Is Bright. From shimmering chandeliers to sophisticated suites, the hotel’s spaces perfectly complemented the album’s themes of beauty and hope. The management team at the Bristol ensured the shoot highlighted the synergy between the hotel’s grandeur and the music’s timeless resonance, creating an unforgettable visual narrative.

Behind the Curtain: A Shared Vision

This collaboration extended to Living Opera’s podcast series, Behind the Curtain. Supported by the Bristol’s management, the podcast explores the classical music world’s untold stories and triumphs. The Bristol’s history of hosting celebrated artists makes it a natural partner for a series that inspires thoughtful dialogue and demystifies the industry for emerging talents.

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

Living Opera and the Bristol Vienna share a respect for tradition and a drive for innovation. Just as the Bristol merges historic charm with modern luxury, Living Opera bridges classical artistry with contemporary storytelling, creating collaborations that elevate both brands.

Looking Ahead

With the release of All Is Bright and the continued success of Behind the Curtain, the partnership between Living Opera and the Bristol Vienna highlights the power of collaboration in inspiring and connecting people through art and culture. If you’re in Vienna, don’t miss experiencing the timeless elegance of the Bristol—a place where history and creativity shine.

Who Is the Ideal Client for CM Culture Management?

At CM Culture Management, we’re passionate about working with visionary creators, platforms, and organizations that aim to redefine the future of arts, performance, and culture. To maintain the integrity of our mission and provide the best possible service, it’s important to partner with clients whose goals and values align with ours.

So, who is the ideal client for CM?

1. Visionaries with Big Ideas

Our clients are not just looking to maintain the status quo—they want to innovate, disrupt, and create something new. Whether it’s launching a groundbreaking multimedia project, designing a forward-thinking strategy for a cultural organization, or developing a new platform, we thrive on ambitious ideas.

2. Commitment to Excellence

We work best with individuals and organizations that value high-quality execution and have the resources, patience, and focus to see a project through. Excellence isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of our work together.

3. Open to Collaboration

Partnership is key to everything we do. Our clients trust us as strategic and creative collaborators, bringing their ideas to life through innovative solutions while respecting their vision and input.

4. A Long-Term Mindset

Whether it’s a multimedia project or a strategic consulting engagement, our ideal clients understand the importance of building for the future. They are ready to invest in thoughtful, sustainable solutions that deliver lasting impact.

5. Aligned with Our Mission

CM Culture Management is focused on shaping the future of arts and culture by blending tradition with innovation. If your goals align with this vision, we’d love to hear from you.

6. For Artists: A Vision Beyond Talent

At CM Culture Management, we look for artists who not only demonstrate exceptional talent but also bring a clear vision for their career and a professional, collaborative mindset. Working with us is a partnership, and we value clients who recognize the importance of investing in the expertise, time, and resources needed to achieve extraordinary results. Ideal clients understand that building a sustainable and impactful career requires mutual commitment and a shared dedication to excellence.

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Is CM the Right Partner for You?

If you’re a creator, platform, or organization looking to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to reach out. However, if your needs don’t align with our expertise, we encourage you to explore other options to find the right fit. Our goal is to work with clients where we can deliver the most value and create something extraordinary together.

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The size of the classical music sector might appear modest at first glance. Statista estimates the global classical music market, including ticket sales, recordings, and digital platforms, to be valued at approximately $281 million in 2018 in the United States and Europe combined.

But to limit our understanding of the market for art and culture to traditional definitions like these is to overlook a vast and evolving landscape of what is possible.

Art and culture extend far beyond the concert halls and opera theaters. In fact, much of the classical community grew out of house concerts in the United States and Europe! By redefining our potential misconceptions of what classical music looks like, we uncover a much larger and more dynamic ecosystem—one that positions artists as central players not only in entertainment, but also in education, community building, and even corporate innovation.

The global art and entertainment industry is much bigger. PwC forecasted that the Media and Entertainment industry is expected to grow to $3.4 trillion by 2028, encompassing everything from film and streaming to live events and experiential platforms. Visual arts, theater, and immersive experiences are increasingly blurring the lines between traditional and new media. By considering classical music as part of this larger creative economy, we begin to see its potential to resonate with wider audiences and contribute to diverse industries.

For example, collaborations between classical musicians and digital platforms have led to exciting innovations, such as live-streamed concerts, virtual reality (VR) performances, and algorithm-curated playlists on Spotify and Apple Music. These formats not only expand access to classical music, but also integrate it into broader consumer habits. (For a future post: streaming platforms provide very little remuneration for artists, so they are not sustainable.)

Through our work with Living Opera, we have explained how artists can step beyond traditional venues to redefine their roles. In education, musicians are becoming advocates for interdisciplinary learning, bringing creativity into STEM fields to foster problem-solving and innovation. Community engagement programs leverage the power of music and art to address social issues, from mental health initiatives to urban revitalization projects.

Consider how orchestras now partner with corporations to provide immersive experiences for employees or how art installations appear in unexpected places like airports and hospitals.

This expanded view of the market for art and culture also repositions the artist. No longer confined to roles as performers, creators, or curators, today’s artists are entrepreneurs, digital innovators, and thought leaders. Agencies like ours aim to empower this evolution, connecting artists with nontraditional opportunities that align with their talents and aspirations. (And my research has also shown that artists who acquire some entrepreneurial training are able to command higher wages in the labor market.)

In a world where creativity is increasingly valued across all sectors, the market for art and culture is defined not just by traditional ticket sales or box office revenues but by its capacity to inspire, educate, and innovate. By thinking outside the box, we can redefine what it means to be an artist and explore the boundless opportunities within this ever-expanding market.

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The question for the classical music community is not “will it be relevant in the 21st century?”, but rather, “who will help carry the torch?” Classical music endures because it has withstood the test of time, inspiring people across generations and establishing a standard for artistic excellence. This era is no different in its potential; what has changed are the economic, social, and political circumstances that shape our reality.

Unfortunately, the current trajectory of the sector is unsustainable. The classical music industry is facing systemic challenges that threaten its long-term viability. My research has revealed that the income gap between artists and non-artists – even after accounting for differences in age, education, race, and other factors – has widened significantly. Between 2006 and 2021, this gap grew from -15% to -30%. Furthermore, the economic return on earning an arts degree has become, on average, negative; most arts graduates never recoup their educational investment. Compounding these challenges, my research also finds that opera companies are grappling with financial instability. Their net operating incomes have stagnated or declined, while the cities they serve are experiencing significant population shifts that impact their audience base.

These empirical findings, drawn from U.S. data, carry a cautionary message for European artists and arts institutions as well. The global interconnectedness of the arts means that these trends could have far-reaching implications beyond national borders.

The pressing question is: What do we do differently?‍

At CM Culture Management, our philosophy is straightforward: Artists must thrive. Thriving means more than artistic fulfillment; it’s about holistic success. If artists are not actively engaged and able to showcase their talents, they are not thriving. If they cannot financially sustain their careers, they are not thriving. While these statements may seem self-evident, they highlight glaring gaps in the current system.

We believe in expanding the possibilities for artists and the institutions that support them. The pie can get bigger. Our unique network and capabilities empower us to think beyond conventional, zero-sum strategies. Instead, we focus on innovative solutions that prioritize long-term growth and sustainability for the entire classical music ecosystem.

The future of classical music will be shaped by those who dare to think boldly, act decisively, and prioritize the well-being of the artists at its heart. By doing so, we ensure that this timeless art form continues to inspire and resonate for generations to come. Welcome to CM.