Olivia Malabuyo Tablante

Olivia Malabuyo Tablante began her tenure at the Gerbode Foundation in 2006 and currently serves as Administrative Director and Program Director of the Special Awards in the Arts (SAA) Program. Since 1989, the SAA Program has supported Bay Area arts presenting organizations to commission new works by individual artists. Under Olivia’s leadership, the program has evolved to focus on the creation of new work in dance, theater production, and music composition. It is nationally recognized for championing innovative California artists and projects that reflect the cultural richness and diversity of the Bay Area.

In her administrative role, Olivia oversees foundation operations while working closely with leadership and board members to advance strategic, multi-year arts funding initiatives. She is deeply engaged in regional arts funding collaboratives and equity-centered philanthropic efforts. Prior to joining the Gerbode Foundation, Olivia served as Administrative Manager for Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy, as well as Post-Production and Production Manager for its PBS television series Cultures of Mexico in California. She is also a founding Director of Bindlestiff Studio and Project Manager for the design & construction of its first dedicated black box theater in San Francisco. Olivia received a B.A. in Ethnic Studies and Documentary Film from the UC Berkeley.