Malik Robinson (he, him, his) is the Executive Director of Cleo Parker Robinson Dance (CPRD), a not-for-profit cultural arts institution based in Denver, Colorado. During his tenure with CPRD, Malik has worked in various roles supporting the artistic vision as well as education and advocacy initiatives. Malik was intricately involved in curating and coordinating the Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance Conference entitled “The Healing Power of Art” hosted by CPRD in 1999, 2009 and 2016. Malik’s dedication to education and the arts led to the creation of the after-school program Aye (Yoruba for “Life”), developed to serve Black and Brown youth in northeast Denver. Through partnerships with Youth Probation Departments, the project served an average of 125 teens per year.
In 2015, Malik led efforts to forge the Bachelor in Dance program in partnership with Metropolitan State University of Denver. The dance major is the first offered by any institution of higher learning in Denver. Under his direction, CPRD and the Farley Health Policy Center formalized a joint partnership to establish the Arts Alliance for Health Equity in 2020.
Malik serves on several boards, including an original member of the Community ACTS Fund – a $9M fund designed to increase cultural equity among Denver’s marginalized communities. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Blacks in Dance, Colorado Business Committee for the Arts, Colorado Symphony, and he is Board Chair of Dance/USA based in Washington, DC. Malik earned his B.A. in African Studies from Regis University.
“The intensity of community work often leaves little time for reflection and meaningful connection between partners across efforts. I’m looking forward to protected time to learn, exchange and grow with a group of dynamic leaders.“