In this episode, we talk about networking, more specifically the role and importance of networking as a career-building tool in the cultural sector.

Cultural Management Master students of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Teele Utt and Anni Leino host former Head of International Projects at Music Estonia, Jaanika Lillemaa has been managing high-level cultural projects for a decade and thus made a significant contribution to the promotion of Estonian culture and arts, both at home and abroad. She has collected her unique blend of cultural management skills and expertise from the French Institute in Estonia as Head of Mission for Cultural and Audiovisual Cooperation, from the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU in Brussels as the Counsellor for Cultural Programme, coordinating the official cultural programme of Estonia’s first Presidency of the Council of the EU, from the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra as their Production Manager, and finally from Music Estonia as Head of International Projects. However, after a decade in the field of culture, Jaanika has returned to her academic roots in education sciences and is developing international relations in education and supporting the export of Estonian education services at the Ministry of Education and Research of Estonia.

Is networking something that should be approached strategically? Moments in the career where networking plays a significant role? The most important official/unofficial networks ( music)? What kind of changes there have been due to COVID in the professional networks? Advice to a young cultural management professional on how to create a diverse network? How could senior arts management professionals give back to the sector? Programs that could help young or not-so-young professionals to get this kind of support/ to expand their networks.