A New Vision for Arts and Culture Management

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.