The Arsht Center Appoints Johann Zietsman as CEO and President

MIAMI, Fla., Nov. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- After an international search, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) has named Johann Zietsman as its CEO and president. Zietsman will assume the role in February 2019. He succeeds John Richard, who has previously announced he would be stepping down at the end of this year.

"After a thorough and careful selection process, we're delighted to have Johann lead the Arsht Center into a new era while conserving the Center's commitment for comprehensive community engagement," said Ira D. Hall, chair of the Center's Trust Board of Directors. "Johann has built a reputation within the arts world as a fierce advocate of diversity and inclusion, from audiences to programming and staffing."

Zietsman joins the Arsht Center after nearly 10 transformative years as CEO and president of the Arts Commons in Calgary, Alberta. Under his leadership, the Arts Commons has become a resilient and sustainable values-led organization. Hall noted that the Arsht Center, one of Miami-Dade County's largest assets, will be in good financial hands based on Zietsman's proven track record of strong financial results. While at the Arts Commons, he turned a projected $900,000 deficit into a consolidated surplus of over $1.3 million.

"It's an incredible opportunity to be able to lead an institution that values many of the same principles I've championed throughout my career, such as building access to the arts for all," said Zietsman. "Although Miami and Calgary are two very different cities, they are similar in that they're diverse and rich in culture – and that's what excites me the most about accepting this new role."

Zietsman's appreciation for the arts began early on in his career in his homeland of South Africa, where he pioneered work in the arts and was recognized by Mr. Nelson Mandela's government.

As an industry leader, he's the current chair of the Performing Arts Center Consortium and a member of the International Society for the Performing Arts.

About the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County
Set in the heart of downtown Miami and designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is one of the world's leading performing arts organizations and venues. Since opening in 2006, the Arsht, a 501C3 non-profit organization, emerged as a leader in presenting innovative programming that mirrors South Florida's diversity as well as a catalyst for billions of dollars in new development in the downtown area. The Center presents nearly 400 events each year, including the largest jazz series in South Florida, an annual Flamenco Festival, a robust program of new theatrical works, free community programs and an arts education program that serves nearly 60,000 children each year. The Arsht also houses the restaurant BRAVA by Brad Kilgore; the Café at Books & Books and a weekly Farmers Market.

Visit www.arshtcenter.org for more information.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Suzette Espinosa Fuentes
(786) 468-2221
[email protected]

SOURCE Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County