Join us for a lively exchange of ideas about what the future holds for Arts in San Mateo County. How did your organization weather the pandemic? What programming are you currently able to do? What do you think re-opening will look like for the arts? What are your plans and concerns for the future of the organization?
Christine Leslie, Executive Director/CEO, Peninsula Ballet Theatre, will share the exciting news about their media hub for nonprofits to film dance and other performances and to offer live or filmed classes.
Dan Demers, Executive Artistic Director of the Hillbarn Theatre, will lead a discussion on the current state level legislation being considered that will affect Arts & Culture organizations including SB805, AB805, and AB1277 that all address issues with AB5, and SB 628 - California Creative Workforce Act.
Facilitated by Mara Grimes.
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Speakers
Christine Leslie, President and CEO of Peninsula Ballet Theatre
Ms. Leslie brings a unique blend of performing arts experience and business management to Peninsula Ballet Theatre. She has been associated with Peninsula Ballet Theatre for over 30 years, beginning in 1979 performing with the professional company in productions such as Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Fille Mal Guarde, Giselle, Cinderella, and Romeo & Juliet as well as performing in numerous musical theater productions. She has served as member of the Peninsula Ballet Theatre Board of Trustees, board president, and now as president and CEO. In addition to a degree in Journalism and a Masters in Mass Communications, Leslie earned her Executive MBA in International Business from the University of San Francisco. After working for 25 years managing economic development, sales, and marketing programs in the high tech industry, Christine joined the PBT administrative staff full time. She continues her study of voice and dance.
Dan Demers, Executive Artistic Director of Hillbarn Theatre
Dan Demers, a San Mateo native, is the Executive Artistic Director at Hillbarn Theatre and a proud Board Member of the Foster City Chamber of Commerce. He has been working locally for more than 15 years in educational theatre, directing, acting, advocacy, and engagement in the arts around the Bay Area. His diverse background in business management, graphic design, creative direction, coupled with his out-of-the-box thinking, brings a unique perspective to the award-winning Hillbarn Theatre. With a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and Direction, Dan strives to grow and ensure that all arts continue to be supported and engaged throughout the community.
He helped establish the Chamber Cares Initiative with the Foster City Chamber of Commerce and works diligently to help those in need throughout the community. Along with the amazing staff and board of the Foster City Chamber, Dan continues to help businesses and community members find paths to survivability and engagement in a pandemic and post-pandemic world.
Facilitator
Mara Grimes
Mara is an arts educator and nonprofit consultant. She is best known as a passionate team leader, catalytic relationship builder, and a compelling connector, inspiring others to action. Since 2018, when she left Art in Action after serving as Chief Imagineer, she has worked on a variety of projects including:
Project Manager for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative - RWCPAF Community Collage Post-It-Note Wall Mural Project; Project Director for the Poetry Out Loud Competition; Development, grant writing, and strategic planning for Kids & Art Foundation; Partnership advisor and grant writer for the “I Don’t Cry Anymore” sexual trauma poetry anthology by Liminal Publishing.
Mara loves to collaborate and has also worked with Thrive Alliance, Arts Ed Matters, San Mateo Foster City Elementary School District, San Mateo County Arts Commission, and arted4all.
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