On the latest episode of the ArtiGras Podcast, we sit down with James (Jim) Barbato of Palm Beach Opera, the General Director of one of South Florida’s most celebrated performing arts organizations. From his early days as a performer to navigating career crossroads and ultimately stepping into leadership in arts administration, Jim shares the moments that shaped his path and what it takes to sustain a world-class opera company. This conversation explores the evolution of his career, the deep connection between community engagement and artistic excellence, and how opera continues to thrive through education programs and innovative thinking.

Jim also opens up about his insights on why live performance matters now more than ever, how Palm Beach Opera has carved out its unique identity, and what it takes to build a sustainable artistic ecosystem that serves audiences of all ages.

🎯 Topics Covered:

• 01:27 — Jim Barbato’s journey from performer to arts leader

• 03:36 — The impact of industry challenges and career pivot points

• 29:36 — The resident artist program and cultivating emerging talent

• 38:04 — Palm Beach Opera’s role in community engagement and education

• 40:08 — Opera as a visceral, live art form that moves audiences

• 52:02 — Making opera accessible and relevant to new audiences

• 1:09:24 — Vision for the future and growing opera tourism in Palm Beach County

The ArtiGras Podcast celebrates the artists and stories that bring Palm Beach North to life, revealing the creativity and heart behind our art community.

Love local stories and community leadership? Check out our sister series, the Palm Beach North Podcast, to stay updated with the future of Palm Beach County’s business community. Listen anywhere podcasts are found or visit palmbeachnorthpodcast.com!

Check us out on social media!

Instagram:

ArtiGras: @artigras

Palm Beach North: @palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: @pbnchamber

Facebook:

ArtiGras: /artigrasfineartsfestival

Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber

LinkedIn:

Palm Beach North: /palmbeachnorth

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce: /pbnchamber

Website:

To learn more about ArtiGras Podcast, visit: https://www.artigraspodcast.com

To learn more about Palm Beach North Podcast, visit: https://www.palmbeachnorthpodcast.com

'To learn more about the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, visit: https://www.pbnchamber.com

Follow our guests!

Website: pbopera.org

Instagram: palmbeachopera

#OperaInPalmBeach #ArtsLeadership #LivePerformance #CommunityThroughArt #ArtiGrasPodcast

Kerri Paizzi is the CEO of Flavor South Florida and a passionate advocate for food as an art form that brings people together. With roots in the restaurant industry and a deep love for community connection, Kerri has helped turn September into a month locals genuinely look forward to.

In this episode, Kerri shares how Flavor South Florida grew into a beloved culinary tradition, why dining is about so much more than what’s on the plate, and how creativity, generosity, and shared experiences continue to shape the region’s food culture.

Janeen Talbott is a multidisciplinary creative whose path into filmmaking was shaped by curiosity, service, and a deep respect for storytelling. From early creative encouragement at home to experiences that challenged how representation shows up on screen, her work is rooted in lived experience and thoughtful process.

In this episode, Janeen shares how her journey through journalism, the Peace Corps, and film school led her to filmmaking, along with how community, color, and audacity continue to guide her creative work.