Adrienne Arsht Center: No Big Shows Scheduled Until 2021

MIAMI, FL — The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County won't host any big shows or events until the spring of 2021, said Johann Zietsman, president and CEO, in a video posted to its website. In the meantime, staff is creating a schedule of scaled-down, socially distanced events as the center enters its 15th season.

"We are excited to bring life back to our campus," he said. The last performance at the venue following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was "Hamilton" in March, he added.

In September, Miami-Dade County lifted the emergency order that closed the Arsht Center and other public spaces due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, the center's staff has decided to hold off on large-scale events until next year.

"While social distancing is still in place, those bigger shows are just not feasible artistically or financially," Zietsman said. "The business model does not work, and the experience is not ideal or safe."

Staff will contact those who purchased tickets to events planned between now and March 2021.

During this fall and winter, a period that staff is calling "The Interlude," the Arsht Center will host small, in-person art-making activities, pop-up performances and live arts events around Miami, he said. Details will be announced when the scheduled is finalized.

Staff is putting various safety measures in place at the center, including upgraded air filtration systems, sanitizing of high-touch areas and touchless ticketing. Masks will be required in the venue and Zietsman said they hope to incorporate rapid COVID-19 testing in their reopening plan.

They'll also continue to organize virtual events, including Arsht@Home, a free, weekly at-home program celebrating the arts. The first big event on the Arsht Center schedule is Siudy Flamenco Bailaora, which is set for March 19-20.