For many artists, creating art is a deeply immersive experience that demands their full attention. However, it's important to acknowledge the team that works tirelessly behind the scenes to help bring these artistic visions to life. Coming from China, Isabella Sun is an outstanding performing art manager who uses her extraordinary imagination and meticulous attention to detail to deliver breathtaking performances to or supportive programs to the public. It's worth noting that Sun is also a gifted artist in her own right, which undoubtedly informs and enriches her work as a performing art manager.
Q: Would you briefly introduce yourself?
A: I graduated from NYU in 2022 with a Master of Arts in Performing Arts Administration. I currently work as the Operations Lead at The Juilliard School in Lincoln Center, with a continuous passion of being a violinist and a dancer. My career path in the United States started from an internship in the Press and Public Relations Department at American Ballet Theatre. They were about to start their first offline show, followed by packed performances, Gala, and other events after a two-year suspension due to Covid. Following that, I worked at the League of American Orchestras, where I was the core staff responsible for managing Learning and Leadership Programs such as the Midwinter Managers Meeting, the 77th National Conference which was held in LA, Virginia B. Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program, as well as Essentials of Orchestra Management, a joint event with Juilliard, where I met my current boss. Besides the massive arts administration works, I am also the Concertmaster at NYU Orchestra, Principal Dancer at NYU Ballet Company and NYU Ballroom Dance Team.
Q: What do you think is the main reason that made you both an artist and an incredible performing art manager?
A: Being an artist is great, but many talented artists are not visible to the public without the help of arts administrators. In addition, putting a show on the stage is very difficult and complicated, a successful performance cannot be done without stage designing, lighting, marketing campaigns, audience education programs, appealing artistic planning, etc. Having a great artist on the stage is not enough. Also, I previously worked as an artistic planning coordinator in Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and collaborated with many renowned artists around the world. I felt so proud of participating in the planning and execution of such large-scale events. That experience stirred my passion of being an arts administrator. I personally believe I have a very grand ambition. I desire to be more than just an artist, and I'm eager to make the arts world better. So being an arts administrator is a perfect fit for me.
Q: What are some of the main challenges as an Operation Lead at The Juilliard School?
A: Organizing an event is no easy feat. From selecting participants to handling contracts and operations, there are countless tasks that require preparation and verification. This is especially true when working with international students, where legal considerations must also be taken into account. As an artist myself, I understand how important it is to showcase our talents and bring our creative visions to life. Therefore, in addition to considering the big picture, I make every effort to provide each student with equal opportunities and attention, so they can showcase their full potential and deliver the best possible performance to audiences.
Q: What kind of special roles do performing art managers like you play in art performances?
A: Most of the time, people only see the artists on stage and don't pay much attention to the team working behind the scenes. However, the success of any concert or performance is not achieved alone. It is the result of the collective effort of everyone involved. I see my role as a bridge that connects the artists and the audience. People like me need to develop plans that maximize the artistic value of any form of art, in a way that's acceptable to both the artists and the audience. We manage the art so that it can be performed to the best of its ability, which is where mind-blowing visual effects come into play.
Q: Do you think you have made some progress on personal growth? If so, what are they?
A: Absolutely, I do. At the beginning of my career, I was simply following orders and focusing on completing my assigned tasks perfectly. But being in a manager's position now, I will think more about how I can make things better and maximize benefits at the lowest cost as well as how I can make people enjoy their work, and how to create new deals with multiple stakeholders. I have developed a critical mindset that allows me to think from various angles instead of just listening to what the boss says so I can identify improvement or bring new ideas. Another thing is that with my communication skills getting better, people are more willing to support and cooperate with my team to fulfill the projects together even when they originally intended to decline.
