40th Year Celebration for Student Artists
January 7, 2013Hiring Teaching Artists for Arts Literacy!
March 25, 2013Hartford Performs has announced the appointment of Robert Warren as Executive Director, effective February 4, 2013.
Warren, who most recently served as Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, FL, was selected after national search conducted by the Arts Consulting Group. Prior to that position Warren served as Associate Producer at the John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts from 2001 to 2009.
“Robert’s extensive experience with arts education combined with his leadership and fundraising background will guide Hartford Performs into the next phase of our Multi Year Plan,” said Jennifer Allen, a Co-Chair of the Board of Directors and chair of the Search Committee.
“Robert’s background working at performing arts centers across the country, as well as his affiliation with the Kennedy Center, allows him to bring a specialized expertise in both the arts and arts education to our city and its schools,” added Michael Stotts, also a Co-Chair of the Board.
Warren brings 17 years of arts management, advocacy, and fundraising experience, including extensive knowledge of all aspects of a school wide arts integration process. Earlier in his career he served as Producing Artistic Director at the Blowing Rock Stage Company/Hayes Performing Arts Center in North Carolina and Managing Director/Artistic Director at the Oster Regent Theatre, in Iowa.
“I look forward to building on the strong foundation in place for Hartford Performs. The range of committed schools, arts providers, community organizations, funders and other supporters already deeply engaged makes me feel confident the arts can and will make a significant difference in the lives of Hartford students and for the city as a whole,” says Warren.
Jackie Coleman, Hartford Public Schools’ Senior Executive Advisor for the Arts, has functioned as Interim Executive Director for Hartford Performs since its inception in 2009. She will work closely with Warren to ensure a smooth transition and then remain actively involved with the work, from inside the school district, in full support of Warren’s leadership.
Warren is a member of the American Guild of Variety Artists (AGVA), the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP), Actors Equity Association (AEA), the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education (KCAAEN) and holds a Specialist 4th Class – Commendation Medal for work in White House Communications through the United States Army.
The Greater Hartford Arts Council currently serves as the fiscal sponsor of Hartford Performs.
The search committee included Jennifer Allen, Chief Talent Officer, Hartford Public Schools; Tasha Cannon, Recruiter, Hartford Public Schools; Jackie Coleman, Senior Executive Advisor for the Arts, Hartford Public Schools; Scott Gaul, Senior Vice President, Prudential Retirement; and Olivia White, Executive Director, The Amistad Center.
About Hartford Performs
The development of Hartford Performs evolved from a growing awareness of the important role the arts play in learning. There is a significant body of research indicating that arts education has the potential to enhance student growth and student achievement not only in arts subjects but throughout the curriculum. The arts provide opportunities for creative thinking, problem solving, collaboration and self-discipline; they open pathways to learning for students with differing learning styles and intelligences; and may even affect brain functioning in ways that support academic skills such as reading.
Its mission is: “To ensure that all Hartford Public School students have access to quality arts education delivered by in-school teaching staff in partnership with the City’s vibrant arts community.” The vision it targets is: “Hartford is a community where the arts are integral to students’ academic development, fostering 21st century leaders, creative thinkers and problem-solvers.”
About Arts Consulting Group, Inc. (ACG)
Arts Consulting Group is the leading provider of hands-on interim management, executive search, fundraising & marketing consulting, facilities & program planning, and organizational development services for the arts and culture industry. With offices in New York, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, Portland, and Seattle, ACG consultants are also located in other communities throughout North America to best serve the needs of its clients. For more information, visit www.ArtsConsulting.com