Performing Arts director to serve on board for new facility

October 19, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Michael Blachly, director of the University of Florida Performing Arts, has been selected for the board of directors of the citizens’ group planning to build a new, state-of-the-art performing arts center for Lake, Marion and Sumter counties.

Blachly was among 13 persons chosen by the Steering Committee, which has led the nonprofit Volunteer Performing Arts Alliance since its founding five years ago.

“It’s important that we have a strong network of arts presenters in Florida as this helps to keep tours financially healthy once they get into our State,” said Blachly about his involvement on the board. “In that we operate in a peninsula, it’s important that artists and attractions can make their way in and back out of Florida or they avoid the state all together. University of Florida is committed to the state as awhole, and it’s in our interest to be supportive of our colleagues and do what we can to enhance the culture for all people in Florida.”

VPAA proposes to build a cutting-edge, eco-conscious performing arts center at a site of at least 15 acres in the tri-county area that would be convenient for people who live in or near The Villages.

The project will be self-financing through donations, grants, ticket sales and concessions. No local taxing or Villages amenity fees are involved. For more information, see www.vpaa.org.