Planning & Implementation Study

In early 2006, the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center Foundation contracted with AMS Planning & Research to review certain assumptions regarding the design and future operation of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Subsequently, it was decided that an understanding of the resident Las Vegas community and its potential interest in supporting an arts center was desired and AMS provided survey and analysis services through its research affiliate, Audience Insight.

AMS led the Executive Committee and other stakeholders through a process to articulate a shared vision and adopt measures of success. The goal was to help the Foundation determine an appropriate level and mix of activities for its Center and to develop an understanding of the building design and business model that would best support that vision.

AMS met with institutional and arts organization leadership in one-on-one and group discussions to understand the proposed utilization and community expectation regarding the diversity of activities planned for the Center. A vision workshop was held with Executive Committee members, where key measures of success were established. Activity profiles from successful large and small venues were shared to assist with developing a desired activity profile for the Smith Center. This process resulted in several key learnings.