At the same time as Hood opens her campaign to boost the arts, the University of Central Florida Foundation has named Centex Rooney Construction Co. as construction manager for the planned 350,000-sf, estimated $200 million Downtown Florida Center for the Arts and Education. A ground-breaking date hasn't been set.

Hood wants her elected associates to support her nine-month Arts for All Seasons pilot program that calls for $500,000 being spent for operations and the same amount in capital funds. The program already has banked an additional $233,500 raised through an auction.

Brenda Robinson, Orlando's executive director of arts and cultural affairs, who draws a six-figure annual salary, will direct the city's new arts development drive, according to city hall staffers.