Performing arts centers (PACs) are an integral part of the cultural and creative industries, significantly influencing the cultural, social, and economic vitality of communities around the world. Virtually all PACs are community-based and serve the public interest, whether structured as a public, nonprofit, for-profit, or hybrid entity. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the important community role of performing arts centers, especially those that mainly host and present work produced by other arts organizations. This gap is startling, given the ubiquitous presence of PACs in urban centers, small communities, as well as colleges and universities.

This co-edited reference book provides valuable information at the intersection of theory and practice in the professional field of executive leadership of performing arts centers. Drawing on the expertise of leading academics, consultants, and executives, this book focuses on institutions and practices in the United States, and is contextualized within additional fields such as cultural planning, urban revitalization, and economic development.

Performing Arts Center Management aims to provide valuable theoretical, conceptual, empirical, and practice-based information to current and future leaders in creative and cultural industries management. It serves as a unique reference for researchers, university students, civic leaders, urban planners, public venue managers, and arts administrators aspiring to improve or advance their work in successfully managing performing arts centers.

"This book fills a gap in the scholarship dedicated to pre- senting and hosting organizations, and as such, is a valuable tool for any person involved in the management of a PAC." --Armen Shaomian, The Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society "Performing Arts Center Management is a great resource. Not only does it lay out the varying management structures PACs take throughout the country, it also places them in a historical context, providing true insights into an exciting and rewarding profession." - Howard Sherman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The Music Center, Los Angeles, California, USA "Kudos to Patricia Dewey Lambert and Robyn Williams for breaking down this incredibly complex topic. No two Performing Arts Centers are the same. This book is a must-read for anyone in the industry that would like to know how these mega-operations are both funded and managed." -Mark Najarian, Venue Director, Denver Performing Arts Complex, USA "Patricia Dewey Lambert and Robyn Williams have finally filled a gap in the literature of Performing Arts Center (PAC) management by assembling an impressive text that draws on the diverse experience and wisdom of leaders in the field. The contributors to this text are the leading scholars, designers, consultants and executive leaders that have shaped the field of performing arts center development and management. While the focus of the text is on centers in the United States, an international perspective is included as an important context for students and practitioners. This guide effectively charts the unique history, development, programming and challenges of running Performing Arts Centers and is a much-needed tool in teaching the next generation of PAC leaders." -Kevin Maifeld, Seattle University, USA "With an emphasis on understanding and engaging local communities, Lambert and Williams have produced an extremely comprehensive book that dramatically increases our understanding of the management of performing arts centers. Citing recent literature, important conceptual frameworks, and many excellent examples, the editors connect theory and practice to produce an invaluable resource for students and arts administrators who accept the challenge of leading these incredibly important institutions." - Richard Maloney, New York University, USA