The Asian Art Commission is responsible for the determination of policy for and the administration of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, which is a separate legal entity from the de Young Museum and operates independently, though sharing some common physical facilities. 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.