IAM Vol 21 Issue 12

 

US focus for December

Welcome to the December issue of International Arts Manager which includes our annual US Focus.

With January 2026 approaching, we preview two major events in New York that will shape the year ahead. We speak with APAP President and CEO Lisa Richards Toney ahead of the APAP|NYC 2026 Conference, as she reflects on how it will equip artists, agents and presenters to respond to shifting realities while renewing commitments to international collaboration. In ISPA’s Global Voices, we look ahead to ISPA’s 2026 New York Congress, where Planning Committee co-chairs Josephine Ridge and Paul Tam outline a programme framed around Resilience: A Global Dialogue.

Also in this issue

News
Hayato Sumino sets Guinness World Record
Applications open for ENO Mackerras Conducting Fellowship
US orchestra receives $10 million anonymous gift
PRS for Music announces record royalty distributions
The “wild heart” of new international consultancy
Upcoming events

Musical Chairs
From promotions to retirement – find out who’s on the move

Classical Music Signings
Keep up to date with the latest industry news

Competitions and Awards

sideNotes: Isang Yun’s final journey

AMA: Full House: 
Matt Ecclestone on how AMA’s latest campaign will bring the cultural sector together

APAP: A View from Here:
Lisa Richards Toney on the art of connection in a divided time

ISPA: Global Voices: 
2026 New York Congress preview with Josephine Ridge (Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity) and Paul Tam (West Kowloon Cultural District Authority)

Industry Predictions – what to look forward to in 2026

APAP|NYC 2026 Preview

Introducing… conductor Mélisse Brunet

Anna Glass, Executive Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem

CINARS: Connected Voices:
Discover how the American market is evolving for international touring artists

Nicolas Boulerice and Olivier Demers discuss Le Vend du Nord’s new album Voisinages

Stage by Stage: Valerie Barber of Valerie Barber PR

Diary
Beatrice Nicholas. A week with the British pianist as she prepares for her performance at the Black History Month reception at No. 10 Downing Street