Quad City Arts Celebrates new Development Director, Krishna Smit!

Krishna Smit, new development Director here at Quad City Arts has been a wonderful new addition to our team! With her passion for the arts, our community, and sustainable fundraising, she is ready to help deepen our impact as an organization and enrich the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts.

We're thrilled to have a team-player like Krishna on board. Her fresh perspective and expertise in building meaningful relationships with partners is already setting Quad City Arts up for success! Join us in giving her a warm welcome!

Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities?
I am a Quad Cities native. I grew up in De Witt but was open enrolled in Davenport schools. I stuck around and went to Augustana for undergrad.

What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional? 
One of my biggest achievements has been stepping into leadership roles in the nonprofit and policy sectors and continuing to grow my impact in the community. Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work on public health and policy initiatives at both the state and national levels, across Iowa, Illinois, and California, which gave me a broad perspective on systems change and community impact. In my previous roles, I’m proud to have helped support the passage of local tobacco safety ordinances, educated community members on important public health issues, and advocated for policies that create healthier, more equitable communities. I’m also proud to have earned both my Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Public Administration (MPA), which continue to shape how I create meaningful change.

How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? 
I actually volunteered here when I was 16. Since then, I’ve always loved coming in to see the new art and experiencing the creativity the organization brings to the community.

What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? 
I’m most excited to build meaningful relationships across the community and help expand the impact of Quad City Arts. The opportunity to connect people to the arts while supporting programs that uplift diverse voices—especially ensuring artists from underrepresented communities are seen and supported—is incredibly energizing to me. I’m also looking forward to growing sustainable funding and partnerships that allow the organization to deepen its reach and create lasting cultural impact.
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What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities? 
One of my favorite arts experiences in the Quad Cities—besides Riverssance—was the Van Gogh: The Immersive Exhibition.

What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities?
Some of my favorite arts experiences outside the Quad Cities have been visiting Denver Art Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Modern Art in New York, and Emami Art in Kolkata. Honestly, you can take me to any art museum, and I’m happy.
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Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.) 
It’s hard for me to choose just one, but my favorites are Rosalía, Beyoncé, BTS, Mumford & Sons, and My Chemical Romance.

What is one thing that might surprise people about you?
One thing that might surprise people about me is that I’m really afraid of sharks—which works out well since I don’t live near the ocean. That said, I also think they’re incredibly beautiful and fascinating creatures, so I admire them from a distance.

What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV?
On Apple TV I am watching The Morning Show and Shrinking

Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star Wars

Where is the best pizza?
Happy Joe's, Lo Piez, or Smash pizza

What is your favorite book? 
Two books that have really stayed with me are Eleanor & Park and The Midnight Library. I read Eleanor & Park a long time ago, but it left a lasting impression on me with its emotional depth and storytelling. More recently, The Midnight Library resonated with me because of its reflection on choices, purpose, and the different paths our lives can take.

Where is your go-to place for inspiration? 
My go-to place for inspiration is the internet, especially Instagram Reels. I love that so many people can share their stories, creative work, and experiences—from nonprofit leadership to art and community impact.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 
If I were to explore a different profession, I’d be interested in pursuing fashion or using my political science background to move into the policy side of politics. Fashion appeals to my creative side and love for self-expression, while policy work would allow me to shape meaningful change through research, writing, and advocacy. Both paths reflect my passion for influence, representation, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.

If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead who would it be?
If I could have a drink with any artist, it would be Hayao Miyazaki or Ayako Rokkaku. I’ve watched all of Miyazaki’s films, and both of their work—including Rokkaku’s playful use of kawaii culture—has had a huge influence on how I think about creativity and storytelling.

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