Florida's Arsht Center Is A Hit

Adrienne Arsht Center For The Performing Arts Of Miami-Dade County
Closes Fiscal Year With Balanced Budget, Builds Momentum For 2009  

Ticket sales outperform industry average, annual attendance nearly doubles, and more than 100 performances sell-out. 

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County announced that it has ended its 2007-2008 fiscal year with a balanced budget, thanks in part to significant increases in ticket revenue and streamlined operating expenses. In addition to this financial stability, the Center's programs drew record-levels of attendance, resulting in more than 100 sold-out performances. News of the Center's fiscal strength caps a year highlighted by the announcement of a $30 million gift from businesswoman and philanthropist Adrienne Arsht, a summer season which exceeded expectations, and the introduction of a new president and CEO.

The announcement was made by J. Ricky Arriola, chairman of the Performing Arts Center Trust board of directors.

"The significance of our year-end numbers cannot be understated," said Mr. Arriola. "Since opening night in 2006, the Adrienne Arsht Center has prioritized quality programming and community outreach. Now, our bottom-line is reflecting the strides we've made in these areas. We've balanced our budget, we're filling seats, and we continue to enjoy broad-based community support. We've turned a corner, and we look forward to capitalizing on our momentum in 2009."

The Adrienne Arsht Center 's 2007-2008 fiscal year-end report included the following highlights:

• An $818,000 budget surplus, representing a $3.3 million turnaround from 2007

 

• More than 100 sold-out performances

 

• The percentage of tickets sold for Arsht Center shows grew from 43% in 2007 to 70% in 2008 (the industry average is 65%)

 

• A 125% increase in tickets sold to Arsht Center shows, representing a 137% spike in gross ticket revenues

 

• In total, 416, 000 patrons attended Arsht Center shows, a 76% increase from 2007 levels

"Our success this year proves that a performing arts center can offer high-quality, diverse programming and important community outreach initiatives while still remaining focused on achieving bottom-line results," said Lawrence Wilker, CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. "For the past twelve months, we've operated this organization like a first-rate business, resulting in dramatic increases in revenue and attendance. And while the list of people responsible for this success is extensive, the professionals on our staff and the visionaries who worked for decades to get this organization off the ground stand out in particular."

In addition to improvements in financial performance and attendance figures, the Adrienne Arsht Center earned high marks for several in-house productions, including world premieres of Miami Libre and Celia: The Life and Music of Celia Cruz, both of which ran during the Center's first-ever summer season and attracted better-than-expected crowds. Other stand-out performances and events included Summer Shorts, SLAVA'S SNOWSHOW, the International Hispanic Theater Festival, a free Gospel concert series, and the hugely popular Flamenco Festival Miami.

Upcoming and current performances at the Adrienne Arsht Center include The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged,) November 26-January 18; Bossa Nova: The First Fifty Years (part of the ongoing Jazz Roots series,) December 12; an encore presentation of the free Gospel concert series (sponsored by the Knight Arts Partnership,) December 14, February 15, March 15, April 19, and May 17; and the Firebird Chamber Orchestra's performance of Handel's Messiah, December 19.

For performance information and ticket sales, visit www.arshtcenter.org or call the box office at (305) 949-6722.

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