Director of UCLA’s Center for the Performing Arts Resigns

Michael Blachly, director of UCLA’s Center for the Performing Arts, announced Thursday that he is resigning the post he has held since 1992. He will become associate dean for arts resources and services and director of the Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Florida at Gainesville, effective July 1.

Blachly, 52, came to UCLA’s performing arts arm in 1986 as associate director and has been largely responsible for making UCLA a premier venue for avant-garde performance, dance and world culture while also presenting classical music and jazz. During his tenure, such renowned artists as Philip Glass, Robert Wilson, Spalding Gray, Yo-Yo Ma and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater have been regulars at UCLA. The program’s annual operating budget currently is about $8 million.

Blachly said Thursday that he wants to develop a program in Gainesville similar to the one he led in L.A., while also having more time for his family.

“It was a very difficult and arduous decision that had a lot of moments of indecision,” Blachly said. “I have two young children, 4 and 10, and in terms of the education I want to provide for my kids, I also thought a smaller community would allow me to give them a little more of my time.” Blachly’s oldest child, who is 25, will remain in Los Angeles.

Blachly said he feels he is leaving the center in good shape. “The situation at UCLA is good; I feel strong about where we are, our audience numbers are strong. We’ve got an excellent relationship with faculty. I feel it’s a perfect time to hand the program to somebody else.”

Jed Wheeler, whose International Production Associates manages leading avant-garde artists, including Glass and Gray, expressed surprise at Blachly’s announcement.

“Michael Blachly, to me, is one of the most important presenters in this country,” Wheeler said from New York. “He is loyal, passionate. I don’t know quite how Los Angeles looks at him; I look at him as a star.”

Leaders at UCLA also expressed a sense of loss at the announcement.

“Michael Blachly has been a great leader in the arts both for UCLA and for the community as a whole,” said Daniel Neuman, dean of the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture, in a prepared statement. The Center for the Performing Arts comes under the jurisdiction of that school. “He has developed one of the most dynamic performing arts programs in the country and worked tirelessly to ensure that UCLA students had the opportunity to benefit from residencies and master classes with these artists. He has been a marvelous colleague and will be sorely missed. We wish him tremendous success in his new appointment.”

Alice Tulchin, president of Royce Center Circle, the principal support group of UCLA Performing Arts, has worked with Blachly throughout his tenure. “Michael, over the period of time he’s been director at UCLA Performing Arts, has succeeded at elevating the caliber and diversity of the performing arts to new heights unequaled in Southern California, and in other performing arts centers. The 2000-2001 season will reflect his vision,” she said.

UCLA is in the early phases of forming a search committee to replace Blachly, and Tulchin said she could not predict what direction the program might take in the future.