M John Richard Coming South To Make Arsht Center A Habit For Residents And Visitors Wanting To See World Classperformers

A $30 million donation to the once-financially troubled Miami performing arts center raised the curtain on what some have called a "second act" for the downtown venue. Now, enter a new leading man.

In December, M. John Richard is to take over for interim Adrienne Arsht Center President and Chief Executive Officer Lawrence Wilker, who stepped in last year to help turn the center around. Mr. Richard, a 19-year veteran of Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center, says he plans to build on recent successes: a packed summer season and world-class programming.

Already, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts is drawing attention in the arts world, he says, and he intends to take it to the next level, hoping that one day visitors will not just come to Miami and catch a show, but come to Miami expressly to see a performance at the center.

Fundraising is to be a main aim, Mr. Richard says, as is ensuring that the center has something to offer all sectors of the community. "We have to build audiences to the extent that this team here can create a Miami community of culture vultures," he says. Mr. Richard took time during a brief visit to Miami last month to share thoughts with Miami Today staff writer Risa Polansky. This is an excerpt from the weekly profile article published in Miami Today. To read the entire article in full, order this issue or subscribe to the print edition of Miami Today. Advertisement