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Mari Robles
Executive Director at Headlands Center for the Arts
Professional Background
Mari Robles is a nationally recognized cultural practitioner and a highly respected advisor to senior leadership and boards. With a rich history of engaging with cultural institutions, Mari is adept at leveraging the power of culture and art to drive systemic change within communities. She has demonstrated a sustained success in crafting innovative and progressive approaches to pedagogy and public engagement, marking her as a leader in her field.
With over two decades of experience in various prominent organizations, Mari has established a strong reputation for nurturing relationships between art institutions and their surrounding communities. Her ability to create impactful programs that blend education and engagement has made her an invaluable asset to the organizations she has served.
Currently, Mari holds the position of Executive Director at the Headlands Center for the Arts, where she is instrumental in shaping the organization's vision and programs. Her leadership skills and deep understanding of art education not only enhance the center's offerings but also ensure that they resonate with audiences of all ages.
Education and Achievements
Mari's educational background is impressive and diverse, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the realms of art education and cultural engagement. She holds a Master of Arts (MA) in Art + Design Education from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, where she focused on the intersection of art and education, igniting her passion for creating dynamic learning environments.
Additionally, Mari participated in the Executive Development Program at Columbia Business School through The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This program further honed her skills in leadership and organizational management, preparing her for high-level positions within cultural institutions.
Mari’s academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art History and French from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This dual focus has given her a well-rounded perspective on both the historical context of art and its contemporary impacts, enriching her approach to cultural programming.
As part of her commitment to continuous learning and leadership, Mari completed the NextGen 2015 Program at the Getty Leadership Institute, which focuses on training the next generation of arts leaders, specifically in navigating the challenges faced by cultural organizations.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Mari has held various influential positions in notable institutions that reflect her expertise in art education and public engagement. Before her current role at the Headlands Center for the Arts, she played a critical role at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she served as the Educator in Charge of Public Programs and Engagement. In this position, she was pivotal in implementing educational initiatives that connected diverse audiences to the museum’s vast collections.
As the Senior Managing Educator at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Mari guided the public programs department, working tirelessly to ensure that visitors could enjoy rich, inclusive, and informative experiences. Her contributions were particularly impactful in fostering community involvement and enhancing the educational value of the museum's offerings.
Prior to her tenure at The Met, Mari was the Director of the DreamYard Art Center at the DreamYard Project, where she created groundbreaking programs that empowered young artists in the community. Her role as Deputy Director of Education and Public Programs at Pérez Art Museum Miami allowed her to create a range of educational programs that connected art and community in meaningful ways.
Mari's dedication is further evidenced by her position as the Knight Curator of School Programs at Pérez Art Museum Miami and as the Coordinator of Family and Youth Programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, where she developed curriculum and engagement strategies that cultivated a love for the arts among young people.
Throughout her career, Mari Robles has consistently championed the importance of art and culture in fostering community development and individual expression. Her work leaves a lasting impact, making her a significant figure in the arts education landscape.