Dean Polendo Explores the Future of the Arts and Education in Backstage

Monday, Oct 20, 2025

Man stands with hands clasped in front of black background

Tisch Dean Rubén Polendo

After being appointed dean this past August, Rubén Polendo is embarking on his inaugural semester leading the Tisch School of the Arts. In a recent conversation with Backstage, Dean Polendo contemplated the state of the arts and education amidst the rapid emergence of new technologies. With an eye towards resilience and innovation, he discussed embracing challenges as opportunities for conversation, engaging AI as a collaborator and partner, and explored the idea of reconciling traditional arts practices with contemporary missions.

“Art is vital to human existence. It creates culture, fosters discourse, and insists on our shared humanity. What has guided my teaching and art making is the potency of artists, students, and teachers to be resilient and nimble.” -Rubén Polendo, Backstage

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