On a Park Bench with James Undercofler​ and Dante Albertie from Purchase College (SUNY)'s Entrepreneurship in the Arts MA

James Undercofler, Program Director, and current student, Dante Albertie, from Purchase College (SUNY)'s Entrepreneurship in the Arts MA program tell the Patch about how the program stands out from the competition and talk about their favorite aspects of the Purchase community.

Patch: What is unique about this new master’s program at Purchase?

James: This is the only master’s degree that focuses exclusively on entity creation in the arts and culture sector.

Patch: Are there others like it and how are you different?

James: There are not other programs. This one is unique. It differs substantially from an MBA in that at its core are courses exclusively focused on the arts.

Patch: What are you hoping to accomplish?

James: There has been so much hand wringing about funding and sustainability of programs and institutions in the arts, but almost no focus on problem solving, or the imagining of solutions. My hope is that this program will encourage a whole new breed of arts leaders who develop and project new ideas into the arts and culture sector.

Patch: What do you personally find exciting about working at Purchase?

James: Purchase encourages an atmosphere of exploration and experimentation. From the very top of the administration, through to students, there is an air of openness and encouragement of new ideas.

Patch: What types of candidates are you hoping to attract to the program?

James: People who are frustrated with all the whining in the arts, who are full of energy and eager to take on the challenge of creating a new tomorrow in the arts.

Patch: What has been your favorite class so far?

Dante: My favorite class thus far has been anything that Jim has taught. Jim is an educator in his bones and a real gentleman of the old school. He still comes at his creative life with real enthusiasm and energy. I really appreciate that. I want to be Jim when I grow up.

Patch: What’s your most inspirational quote, song, artist or business person?

Dante: "Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life."

Patch: What do you like most about Purchase and the Purchase community?

Dante: I attended Purchase as an undergrad from 1987-1989. How I felt then is the same way I feel now. Purchase nurtures the individual. Purchase is about acceptance. Purchase is its people.

Patch: What are your personal and professional goals?

Dante: I want to continue to be able express myself as an artist/creative and continue to provide opportunities for other people to express themselves. Earn enough money to be able to travel regularly with my wife and ten-year-old daughter.

Patch: Any advice for others considering this path?

Dante: Create your own opportunities whenever you can. Don’t be afraid. Treat others as you would want to be treated. WORK!!!! Take the Entrepreneurship in the Arts MA at Purchase.

Enrollment for Fall 2016 is still open. For more information please contact Adriana Pera by email at adriana.pera@purchase.edu or by telephone at 914-251-6801.