First Notes from Operactive Arts
From AI opera to fresh business models: join us as we test what’s possible
Hello and thanks for joining us!
Most of you landed here after filling in our recent Creative Futures survey. Thank you for sharing your insights and, crucially, your address so we can keep the conversation going. A few of you have come via other projects or personal invitations; you’re just as welcome.
Who we are
Operactive Arts is a social enterprise that re-imagines the creative industries for the future, with a special (but not exclusive) focus on classical music. Some of you are conductors, composers and singers; others make films, code or curate – that mix is what makes this community exciting. You can read a little more about the team and our projects on our website.
What we’re up to
Original work: we recently premiered an AI-based chamber opera — it is our proof that heritage art-forms like opera and Kabuki theatre can converse with new technology without losing their soul.
Collaboration hub: we’re now helping other creators turn ideas into publishable pieces; you will hear more on this in a near future.
Creative Futures research: you’ll keep seeing findings from the survey and a further build on that, including patterns in funding, audience behaviour, and the tool-kits artists say they need next.
Creative business models: we are exploring monetisation opportunities in creative industries and tracking development of start-ups in this ecosystem.
What to expect
A fresh post roughly every fortnight: behind-the-scenes glimpses, short essays on where culture meets code, occasional interviews, and calls for collaborators. In between, we’ll share quick Notes – rehearsal clips, polls, ideas-in-progress – right here in the Substack feed (they won’t clutter your inbox unless you choose).
How you can shape this space
Hit reply or comment – tell us which topics you’re most keen to explore.
Share – if the ideas resonate, forward this issue or tap “Share” so fellow creatives can join.
Recommend – other newsletters or artists whose work belongs in this dialogue.
Thank you for being here at the start. I can’t wait to share notes and experiments with you in the weeks ahead. See you in a fortnight (or sooner in the Notes).
Warmly,
Arturs Kokins
Co-founder, Operactive Arts



Quite the project to figure out this transition to an AI world, with or without authenticity. Good on you to tackle it and ask the questions.
Thanks for connecting Arturs. Curious what comes next for your endeavor!