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JPAC finishes 2012 in black

Photo

Elizabeth Horvath

JANESVILLE — It's been a good year for the arts.

In May of last year, Janesville Performing Arts Center Executive Director Elizabeth Horvath said she hoped the facility would break even sometime in the near future.

Last week, the center released its 2012 annual report, and it is ahead of budget by almost $40,000, according to a news release.

In addition, the board and center staff reached their standard annual goal of $100,000 in cash reserves.

Last year was Horvath's first full year as director; she has been with the center for about a year and a half.

"I am extremely proud of what the organization was able to accomplish in this first full year," Horvath said in the news release.

Horvath credited the donors, sponsors and, of course, patrons of JPAC for their continued support.

Highlights of the annual report include:

-- The annual fundraiser featuring John Oates raised $35,000.

-- The center's 200 volunteers contributed an estimated 3,300 hours.

-- 122 theater and gallery events attracted 23,062 patrons.

-- Approximately 5,000 students attended events.

-- The average ticket price at JPAC is $14.88, compared to the national average of about $30.

Plans include:

-- Rethinking the lobby into a multipurpose room with a small space for performances.

-- Developing the Janesville Irish Fest into an annual event on both the JPAC and city of Janesville calendar.

-- Creating a "cultural hub" for the community with free, affordable, educational events.

-- Adapting the green space between JPAC and the Hedberg Public Library that can be used by the community.