Anita Contini joined Bloomberg Philanthropies in 2010 as Program Lead for the Arts and Culture Program, which helps small and mid-size arts organizations strengthen their long-term capacity; supports temporary public art projects that engage communities, enhance creativity, and enrich the vibrancy of cities; and supports leading cultural institutions globally in implementing cutting-edge mobile technologies that transform visitor experience. Bloomberg Philanthropies also collaborates with some of the nation’s top foundations, federal agencies, and banks to invest in projects where artists and arts organizations play a central role in shaping their communities’ social, physical, and economic future.

Prior to joining Bloomberg Philanthropies, Anita was Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Public Affairs and Philanthropy at CIT Group. From 2002 to 2005, she served as Vice President and Director of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation’s World Trade Center Memorial, Cultural, and Civic Programs. She developed a process and implementation plan for the 9/11 World Trade Center memorial, including the jury process for selecting its designer.

Previously, Anita served as First Vice President of Global Sponsorships and Client Events Marketing at Merrill Lynch, where she managed the firm’s giving and client programs, and as Vice President and Artistic Director of World Financial Center Arts and Events/Marketing for Brookfield Properties.

In 1974, Anita founded Creative Time, an award-winning nonprofit arts organization, and was its Director and President until 1987. She has received a number of awards for distinguished public service, including from the Municipal Arts Society, Hofstra University, AIA New York Chapter, ArtTable, and the Downtown Lower Manhattan Business Association.

In addition to the SMU DataArts Board, Anita currently serves on the boards of The Drawing Center, Grantmakers in the Arts, and Publicolor. She is on the Operating Committee for ArtPlace America and a member of ArtTable and the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter.