ORLANDO, Fla - The Orlando Performing Arts Center (OPAC), a nonprofit corporation, recently received the overwhelming support of Orlando’s resident arts groups in a resolution (attached) drafted by leadership from the Festival of Orchestras, the Orlando Ballet, Broadway Across America – Orlando, the Orlando Opera, and the Orlando Philharmonic. OPAC plans to construct a multi-faceted performing arts complex in downtown Orlando that includes multiple theaters, educational facilities, open public spaces,
retail, commercial and residential development.

Among the reasons the arts groups support the performing arts center are their belief in the sustainability of the plan, their involvement during the OPAC planning process, and the exemplary quality and programming for the arts center. The arts groups also stated that a $300 million public investment should go toward financing the arts center and that the project should be single-phased.

"We are honored to have the support of our arts groups," stated OPAC President and Chairman Jim Pugh. "Since the beginning of the initiative, we have aimed to create an inclusive center that would become a home for local arts. We feel that we are very close to making the initiative become a reality."

The Orange County Commission is expected to make a determination on funding for all of the proposed community venues, including the performing arts center, in early fall.

The Orlando Performing Arts Center, a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation, is responsible for determining the feasibility of the arts center complex. The vision of OPAC is to build a destination that elevates the arts, provides the best arts education, generates urban renewal, and most importantly, is programmed to be fiscally responsible in construction and operations. For more information about the OPAC initiative and community involvement opportunities, please visit www.orlandopac.org.