Robert Tenges

About Robert Tenges

With over 15 years of experience in leading and transforming fine and performing arts, education, and community-facing programs, I am passionate about ensuring value, equitable access, and sustainable operations for organizations that serve diverse and underserved populations.In my roles at Mather, Columbia College Chicago, and Mather, I have established a track record of aligning organizations, teams, and programs with institutional mission by facilitating conversations, initiatives, and strategies that navigate artists, staff, and administrators through necessary change to new, innovative, and impactful program offerings. I have created, piloted, and established sustainable community-facing programs with robust, disciplined support systems, such as Summer at Columbia, a 3-week, accredited high school immersion program that increased college matriculation rate to 50% of all participants. I have also championed audience and mission centricity by spearheading and maintaining programs that elevate experience, engagement, access, and achievement, such as the arts and wellness programming for older adults that I am currently building and growing at Mather. Additionally, I bring a strong network of relationships in Chicago and New York cultural communities as an acclaimed theater practitioner.

Experience

1. Director of Creative Engagement Growing Program Enrollment and Building Sustainable Partnerships

   Mather

   Feb 2023 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   Overseeing establishment of Mather\'s new Centers for Creative Engagement for adults ages 55 and better, and spearheading deep and lasting arts and wellness partnerships with large organizations throughout Chicago, including the Chicago Park District, the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, The Salvation Army Freedom Center, the Chicago Alternative Policing Project (CAPS), along with other neighborhood organizations in Chatham, Humboldt Park, South Shore, Auburn Gresham, Englewood, North Lawndale, Pilsen, and Little Village. Building and growing online arts programs for older adults, including the addition of new classes in music, dance, visual arts, nutritional health, and wellness.

Education

• DePaul University

  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music Education

Skills

• Theatre
• Songwriting
• Guitar
• Arts Administration
• Music Education
• Stage Direction
• Music Theory
• Guitarist
• Vocal Instruction
• Program Management
• Improvisation
• Singing
• Piano
• Music