Kennedy Center’s New Appointment and Ongoing Controversies

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts remains closed to the public, blocked off since September. Despite the closure, the center announced Rick Canny, a talent manager who has represented acts such as ZZ Top and former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, as its new artistic director. This appointment raised concerns due to staff complaints about his business practices while consulting for the arts institution.

According to an email obtained by NPR, Matt Floca, the executive director and chief operating officer of the Kennedy Center, informed high-level staff of Canny’s appointment. Although Canny began consulting for the center shortly after President Trump became the institution’s chairman in February 2025, Floca, who lacks a background in arts administration, programming, or fundraising, described his role: “Rick will advise me and the broader leadership team on artistic strategy, business practices, presenting and talent curation, ticketing and pricing models, media opportunities, and programming sponsorships.” Since April 2025, Rick has been involved with the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Prize as a consultant through his firm, Favor the Artist.

Staff concerns arose regarding Canny’s fees and expenses, particularly after the previous head of programming departed within two weeks in January. According to an internal memo by Sammy Miller, the then-senior director of music programming, Canny charged $30,000 in consulting fees for a single month in early 2026. Another month saw expenses exceed $28,000, including first-class travel between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

The Kennedy Center has not responded to NPR’s requests for comments on the appointment. Additionally, Favor the Artist’s website lacks detailed information about its clients or firm history. Arts administrators nationwide noted that booking performances for venues like the Kennedy Center occurs years in advance, raising further concerns regarding Canny’s experience with typical performers such as solo artists, orchestras, and theater troupes.

Amid discussions of financial issues, the Kennedy Center has made claims of impending bankruptcy, echoing Trump’s statement that it has lost “hundreds of millions” of dollars without evidence. The center faces a federal court battle involving Trump and his appointed board, competing over plans for a two-year closure for renovations. Trump has threatened to demolish the building if his name is not visibly prominent.