Adrienne Arsht Center’s season introduces pay-what-you-can, Gospel Fest, Ground Zero Crew and community-focused lineups

# What the Arsht is changing this season Center is testing a pay-what-you-can ticketing model for the coming season and curating shows tied closely to South Florida communities. The move is intended to expand access to live performance by shifting price choice to the audience.

# What pay-what-you-can means on paper Jairo Ontiveros, the Arsht's executive producer, is quoted saying the new model addresses cost as a barrier: "Cost should not be an issue for us to be able to present and for people to come here and be part of the performing arts." The center will offer seats where patrons decide how much to pay, rather than relying solely on fixed ticket prices.

# The season's cultural mix Programming highlights name-check community-centered and culturally specific events. The schedule includes Gospel Fest and Día de los Muertos presentations, Pride-related offerings and family-friendly performances. The aim is to present artists and celebrations that reflect the neighborhoods in and around Miami.

# Ground Zero Crew on the Arsht stage Ground Zero Crew, Miami breakdance pioneers, will bring a stage production next year. Bebe Breaks, co-founder of the crew, frames their work as an authentic representation of local hip-hop and Miami movement: "I think that when you see us, you'll see a really authentic, raw interpretation of what hip hop is and also of Miami." The dancers see performing at the Arsht as a way to move street-rooted choreography into a theater context, translating creative moves such as threading into staged choreography.

# Why the center is making the change Arsht leadership connects the ticketing and programming approach to inclusion: when audiences gather, the center wants the theater to feel like a shared community space. Ontiveros said, "When the lights go down, and you look left, and you look right, and the curtain rises for this performance, we're one community where we can celebrate each other's cultures."

# Practical takeaways for audiences

• Expect a mix of ticket types this season, including pay-what-you-can options. Check the Arsht's box office or website for event-specific details.
• Look for culturally focused events such as Gospel Fest and Día de los Muertos alongside mainstream and family programming.
• If you're curious about hip-hop and local dance history, Ground Zero Crew's stage show is positioned as a Miami-rooted experience that moves street choreography into a theater setting.

# Contact and next steps Impact & Pay What You Can at its 1300 Biscayne Blvd. address. For event schedules, availability and specific pricing mechanics, consult the Arsht Center's official information channels.

# Bottom line The Arsht Center is experimenting with ticket pricing and designing a season that highlights neighborhood artists and cultural events. The dual focus aims to lower financial hurdles while centering South Florida cultural expressions on a major downtown stage.