What does impact mean in your work?
In my work as Head of Dubai Opera, impact means the multifaceted influence we have on the global community of Dubai. Impact encompasses fostering cultural appreciation by bringing world-class performances to the UAE, inspiring and nurturing local talent, and contributing to the nation’s growing cultural identity. We work to create memorable experiences that resonate with audiences, promote artistic excellence, stimulate intercultural dialogue, and drive economic growth through tourism and local engagement. Ultimately, impact means enriching lives and fostering a vibrant, dynamic cultural landscape in Dubai and beyond.
What do you focus most on day-to-day?
In my position, I’m responsible for overseeing all areas of the Dubai Opera, including setting the artistic direction, building and maintaining effective strategic relationships, and leading the financial, operation, and economic performance. Day-to-day, my main focus is strategic leadership, team mentoring, development, and quality assurance. I curate the overall artistic direction to ensure a compelling and diverse program that attracts audiences and fosters cultural enrichment. Additionally, I concentrate on boosting our economic performance by developing sustainable business strategies and partnerships. Supervising all key departments allows me to maintain a cohesive vision and ensure excellence across operations, positioning Dubai Opera as a premier cultural destination in the UAE.
How do you balance Mission with financial sustainability?
Balancing mission-driven work with financial sustainability is a key focus at Dubai Opera. We achieve this by curating a diverse program that aligns with our cultural mission and includes commercially viable productions. This blend ensures we attract a wide audience, from enthusiasts of high art to those seeking popular entertainment. Additionally, we actively pursue strategic partnerships and sponsorships to support our mission-driven initiatives. By presenting a dynamic and appealing concert schedule, we boost ticket sales and drive revenue—enabling us to invest in community outreach and educational programs that further our mission while ensuring long-term financial health.
What innovations have enhanced your organization in recent years?
One of the main innovations that has significantly enhanced our organization’s work is introducing a “season model.” This strategic approach to programming allows us to define the entire annual calendar of shows at Dubai Opera well in advance. By having a clear, structured schedule, we can better position our cultural offerings, attract top-tier performances, and optimize marketing and sales efforts. This model enhances operational efficiency and provides our audiences with a comprehensive view of our upcoming events, fostering greater engagement and anticipation throughout the year.
How do you see the role of arts leaders evolving in the years ahead?
In the years ahead, I believe the role of arts leaders will transform significantly, becoming more multifaceted and dynamic. Arts leaders must become visionary strategists who can navigate the rapidly changing cultural landscape and leverage digital technologies to expand reach and engagement. They will also play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that the arts are available to diverse communities. As the lines between different artistic disciplines continue to blur, arts leaders will be required to adapt to cross-disciplinary collaborations. Ultimately, they will act as cultural ambassadors, advocating for the arts’ value in society and driving sustainable growth within their organizations.
Paolo Petrocelli has established himself as one of the leading cultural managers of his generation on the international scene. As Head of Dubai Opera, he plays a key role in developing the performing arts in the Middle East and beyond. Dr. Petrocelli has not only promoted artistic excellence and brought world-class performances to the region but has also actively fostered a sense of belonging and appreciation for diverse cultures, and spearheaded initiatives to promote accessibility, inclusivity, and education in the arts.
Dr. Petrocelli’s vision and dedication make him a transformative force in the cultural sphere. Through his leadership, Dubai Opera serves as a beacon of cultural exchange and enrichment, contributing significantly to the vibrant fabric of the UAE community. In 2023, Paolo Petrocelli was recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum for continued contributions to arts and culture. In 2022, he was selected by the think tank Friends of Europe among the 40 most influential young personalities in Europe and nominated European Young Leader. In the same year, the magazine Fortune named him among the 40 most influential personalities under 40 in Italy, as the first cultural manager ever selected.
About Dubai Opera:
Dubai Opera is the premier performing arts center in the UAE, renowned for its world-class architectural design and versatile venue capabilities. Situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai, this
state-of-the-art facility hosts a diverse array of performances, including opera, ballet, musicals, concerts, theatre and cultural events. With its iconic show-shaped design, Dubai Opera not only serves as a cultural hub for residents and tourists alike but also plays a pivotal role in enriching the region’s cultural landscape. By offering an eclectic mix of local and international productions, Dubai Opera fosters artistic excellence and contributes to Dubai’s reputation as a global cultural destination.
