Arts & Culture

A proposal to require an enhanced buffer zone between large entertainment venues found no support Tuesday night from the Portland Planning Board. City Council will make the final decision.

If approved, a buffer zone between large music venues in the downtown district is predicted to derail the Live Nation Portland Music Hall project.

Doug Welch brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience to the position, including 17 years as executive director of the Maine Island Trail Association.

Allison Cooley previously served as chief development officer at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick and at the Longy School of Music an affiliate of Bard College in Cambridge, Mass.

Portland City Council has extended the moratorium on the construction of new large performance venues in the downtown district for another 180 days — further stalling development of the controversial Portland Music Hall.

The lot that used to house the former Children’s Museum is being temporarily repurposed as an outdoor events and performance space — until construction of the new 60,000-square-foot wing gets underway.

By the end of this year, Opera House Arts will have invested almost $100,000 in theater audio and video upgrades, audience lobby amenities and improved housing accommodations for visiting artists at the historic venue.

A proposal calls for a fully reconstructed theater, a new arts and education center, concessions building, courtyard, offices, and on-site housing to accommodate 75 performers and staff.

Opponents of the Live Nation Music Hall are calling for a buffer zone from residential areas.

Portland City Council has voted to amend the city code to direct a percentage of ticket prices from large venues to support the local arts community.