Dr. Ennio Piano, top left, an assistant professor of economics in MTSU’s Jones College of Business, is the guest on the May 25 edition of the “MTSU On the Record” radio program. (Background photo by Anthony Shkraba from Pexels)

The intersection of aesthetic beauty and financial shrewdness will be explored on the next “MTSU On the Record” radio program. 

Dr. Ennio Piano

Gina K. Logue

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Ennio Piano, an assistant professor of economics in the Jones College of Business, first aired May 25 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org.

You can listen to their conversation via the Soundcloud link above.

Piano and Rania Al-Bawwab, a third-year doctoral student, authored “The Artist as Entrepreneur,” exploring how and when artists display business acumen and how and when they leave business details to others.

Piano and Al-Bawwab posit that artists will employ both artistic and entrepreneurial functions when market conditions create a demand for “high art,” which appeals to an educated, art-savvy elite.

When market conditions are such that most art is “low art” that is mass-produced and appeals to the masses, the authors say that artists tend to leave the business functions to different individuals.

“I basically try to ask the question, ‘What are these abilities to see something other people cannot see — the ability to see profit opportunities and the ability to see beauty or the potential for beauty?” Piano said. “When are they more likely to coincide in the same person, and when are they not likely to coincide?” 

The Review of Austrian Economics accepted “The Artist as Entrepreneur” for publication in April 2021.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about the radio program, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.