Local singers urge Arts Commission to secure artist representation on institution boards

During the general public comment period April 1, Michael Jankoski — a professional singer with the San Francisco Opera Chorus (10 years) and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus (5 years) and member of the American Guild of Musical Artists National Board of Governors — told commissioners that local arts institutions are treating working artists as liabilities rather than assets and urged the commission to act to improve working-artist representation on boards.

Jankoski described recent leadership changes at the San Francisco Symphony and a reduction in San Francisco Opera's main-stage productions and said these trends are prompting local musicians to look for work elsewhere. He asked the Arts Commission to "find a way to get representation for our working artists on the board level at these institutions," saying current arrangements lacked direct artist input into governance and decision-making.

The commission acknowledged the comment; no action was taken during the meeting. Jankoski's remarks were offered as public comment; the commission did not indicate an immediate policy response at the April 1 meeting.