Arsht Center

The Magic City has hosted NFL Super Bowls, ocean races that circumvent the planet, international art fairs, and just about everything in between. The one glaring omission from this list: the Olympics. Granted, we haven’t deserved an Olympiad in the past, but the last decade has seen Miami become more global, more urban, more of an economic powerhouse, and more respected on the world stage.

I was reading the other day that as the Florida Chapter of The American Institute of Architects celebrates its centennial, it will also recognize the 100 most noteworthy buildings across the state. What I found most interesting is that Miami – a city once criticized for a lack of art and culture – is home to more than 20% of the organization’s selections – 22 buildings that have captivated and encapsulated our region through the years.

Congratulations to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts for launching the third class of Rock Odyssey.

BROADWAY WORLD
Arsht Center Named 'Project Of The Year'

BROADWAY WORLD - Friday, September 4, 2009; Posted: 01:09 PM - by Beau Higgins

ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY IS NAMED 'PROJECT OF THE YEAR' BY URBAN LAND INSTITUTE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Award solidifies non-profit performing arts center's role as a catalyst
for community and economic development in Downtown Miami.

Miami's Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts has been selected as 'Project of the Year' by the Urban Land Institute's Southeast Florida/Caribbean District Council. The 'Project of the Year' distinction - widely considered as the land use and development industry's top honor - recognizes the real estate project that best embodies the mission of the Urban Land Institute: ensuring the responsible use of land in an effort to create sustainable, thriving communities around the world.

The award was presented during a special ceremony held on August 27, 2009 at the Seminole Hard Rock Resort in Hollywood, Florida. M. John Richard, President and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

"The Adrienne Arsht Center owes its success to much more than world-class performances; we are also a product of world-class design, construction, and foresight," said Mr. Richard. "More than two decades ago, civic leaders, the cultural arts community, and the private sector came together and envisioned a venue that would entertain our community, host extraordinary programs for our youth, and spawn new investment in Downtown Miami, both public and private. That vision lives today in the form of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts."

The 2009-2010 'Project of the Year' selection process evaluated nominees in the following areas: land use, community impact, public/private cooperation, and management. The Urban Land Institute received more applications for this year's competition than ever before. Other finalists for 'Project of the Year' were the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach, Florida and 55 Merrick Way, a mixed-use development in Coral Gables, Florida.

"The Adrienne Arsht Center is eminently deserving of our top honor," said Carla Coleman, Executive Director of the Urban Land Institute's Southeast Florida/ Caribbean District Council. "From its role as an engine for economic development in what is a key redevelopment section of Miami's urban core, to its standing as one of our region's top cultural resources for children and families, the Adrienne Arsht Center demonstrates the extent to which well-planned, well-managed public/private partnerships can make a positive difference in their communities."

ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY NAMES SUZANNA VALDEZ
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT

Former Chief of Staff to Miami Mayor Manny Diaz
to serve as executive at Arsht Center

MIAMI, FL August 19, 2009 – The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County announced today that it has named Suzanna Valdez as Vice President of Advancement. Ms. Valdez comes to the Center after serving as Chief of Staff to City of Miami Mayor Manny Diaz for the past two years. Prior to her work at City Hall, Ms. Valdez served as Miami Program Director for the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

In her new role as Vice President of Advancement, Ms. Valdez will be a hands-on, deeply involved fundraiser and will direct the Adrienne Arsht Center’s efforts to broaden its base of financial support among individual and corporate donors. Her work will include building and strengthening the Center’s relationships with the business community, overseeing institutional fundraising activities, and securing major gifts.

The announcement was made by M. John Richard, President and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

“The Adrienne Arsht Center continues to make a positive impact in the Miami community. Now more than ever, individuals, corporations and foundations have an opportunity to make a real difference through their support for the Center, helping to ensure we sustain and maximize that impact. Suzanna’s background in the public, private, and non-profit sectors will provide her with a strong foundation for her work here,” said Mr. Richard. “Suzanna possesses many leadership qualities and joins a senior management team that has a track record of uncommon accomplishment. She sets the bar high for herself, making her a perfect fit for the Arsht Center’s goals and aspirations.”