Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Dave Pine, District 1
Subject: Reappointment to the Arts Commission
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for the reappointment of Harini Krishnan to the San Mateo County Arts Commission, representing District 1, for a first full term ending December 31, 2024.
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BACKGROUND:
The Arts Commission was created to promote and encourage the arts, to serve in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors, to prepare and update the County’s strategic and cultural plan, and act as a liaison with arts organizations in order to ensure collaboration and coordination related to culture and art activities in San Mateo County.
DISCUSSION:
Harini Krishnan was first appointed to the Arts Commission in 2018 and has successfully completed her first partial term which coincided with my term on the Board of Supervisors, where she served as Vice Chair for the last two years. Approval of this reappointment would be for a term of January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024.
During her tenure, Ms. Krishnan compiled two Commission reports for Supervisors, and was instrumental in the development of the Commission’s new strategic plan adopted in February 2020 by the Supervisors. Most recently, Ms. Krishnan developed an advocacy tool kit for nonprofits to advocate to elected officials at all levels. As a Commissioner, in 2019 she served as a panelist on the California Arts Council’s (state arts agency) local arts grants review panel in 2019.
Ms. Krishnan is a tireless advocate for arts in all forms and has lobbied for support of arts, culture, and creativity in both Sacramento and Washington D.C. In addition to Arts and culture, she is a passionate organizer for gender equity, racial justice, and public education. She is an Indian Classical Vocalist/Lecturer and has performed at the state capitol.
Ms. Krishnan has a Masters degree in International Public Administration from University of Southern California, and is an alumna of the Harvard Kennedy School Public Leadership Program. Ms. Krishnan’s other accomplishments include being named 2020 Hillsborough Citizen of the Year, and as a board member of FUND HER.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.