Governance
City and County of San Francisco Asian Art Commission
2012 Meeting Schedule
2011 Meeting Schedule
2010 Meeting Schedule
2009 Meeting Schedule
2008 Meeting Schedule
2007 Meeting Schedule
2006 Meeting Schedule
2005 Meeting Schedule
2004 Meeting Schedule
2003 Meeting Schedule
2002 Meeting Schedule
Commissioners
Foundation Trustees
Contact Information
Whistleblower Policy (pdf)
Code of Ethics(pdf)
Statement of Incompatible Activities (pdf)
Statement of Purpose
The Asian Art Commission is responsible for the determination of policy for and the administration of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
The Commission consists of 27 members, nominated by the Commission but subject to the Mayor’s approval. The Commission has always adhered to a policy of broad representation of the community in its membership and is considered a role model in this respect. Commissioners serve a three-year term which may be renewed for a second consecutive term. Exceptional circumstances permit renewal for a third term.
At the time the Asian Art Museum was formed, upon the significant donation of art from Avery Brundage, the Asian Art Museum Foundation was established as the private fundraising arm of the Museum. Originally, this arrangement was made to comply with Mr. Brundage’s request that funds be raised for acquisitions he had selected for addition to the collection. This obligation was duly met but the Foundation has continued its fundraising in order to support various Museum activities. Over the years, the City’s share of funding for operational expense has declined sharply and the Foundation has borne an increasingly large share of such costs.
Commissioners and Foundation Trustees work together for the benefit of the Museum, frequently serving on each other’s committees. Some members have had a lifelong interest in Asian art and are serious collectors. Others do not have great depth of knowledge of Asian art but contribute expertise in other areas. All share a fellowship based on the conviction that the Asian Art Museum is unique and the best of its kind and is a tremendous asset to the City of San Francisco. By strengthening the Museum, they feel strongly that they are benefiting the City of San Francisco by enhancing its quality of life, reputation as a cultural center, and appeal to visitors who bring in millions of dollars annually. Through involvement with the Museum, Commissioners in turn develop a better understanding of Asia, of vital importance to San Francisco and the Bay Area in this era of emphasis on the Pacific Rim.
In recognition of the importance of each Board member’s commitment to the Museum, Commissioners and Trustees are requested to provide leadership support in raising and contributing funds. Commissioners and Trustees will make personal financial commitments that are seen to be at or near the top of the individual’s capacity to give.
In 2003, the Asian Art Museum began a new era with its move to San Francisco’s Civic Center. The voters of San Francisco approved a bond measure providing partial funding for renovation and seismic retrofitting of the building formerly occupied by the main branch of the public library. A campaign is currently underway to raise the remaining funds from foundations, corporations and private individuals. The Museum’s Commissioners and Trustees have generously donated time and money to complete the fundraising. The Museum was fortunate to secure the services of Gaetana Aulenti, best known for the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, as Chief Architect for the renovation. Her vision for the new building will transform the Old Main Library into a fitting home for San Francisco’s most precious asset: the world-renowned collections of the Asian Art Museum.
| Commissioners
Chair Chair Emeritus Asian Art Commission |
Foundation Trustees
Chair Secretary Chair Emeritus |
