WASHINGTON – The Kennedy Center, a nationally renowned arts institution, underwent a important conversion during the Trump administration, marked by a focus on financial self-sufficiency and a reshaping of its programming, according to internal documents and interviews with sources familiar with the changes. The shift,largely driven by then-Chairman David Grenell,prioritized revenue generation and led to the displacement of traditional arts programming,raising concerns among advocates about the future of the non-profit institution.
The changes at the Kennedy Center reflect a broader effort during the Trump years to apply business principles to cultural institutions, challenging the traditional non-profit model reliant on donations and government funding. The impact is still being felt as the Kennedy Center navigates a new financial landscape and grapples with balancing artistic mission and fiscal duty.The alterations sparked debate over whether the institution risked compromising its core values in pursuit of profitability.The moast visible example of this shift came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The draw, hosted at the Kennedy Center on Friday, preempted previously scheduled arts events, including performances by the National symphony Orchestra and a production of Gustav Mahler‘s “Symphony No. 6.” An internal document obtained by Whitehouse revealed the displacement cost the Kennedy Center an estimated $5 million in lost revenue from the displaced performances.despite the initial loss, the Kennedy center ultimately drew $7.4 million in revenue, plus expenses, from the FIFA event, according to a source within the institution. Though, the focus on breaking even for all programming, championed by Grenell, drew criticism. “They want to run a nonprofit arts organization like it’s a for-profit arts organization,” a source familiar with the situation told CNN.
Arts advocates argue that the very purpose of non-profit arts organizations is to support artistic endeavors that may not be financially viable.”But the whole reason why nonprofit arts organizations exist is to keep art going that isn’t profitable. If you told an opera company to exist on its own because it’s going to make money, there would be no opera,” the source explained. The changes at the Kennedy Center raise questions about the long-term sustainability of artistic programming and the role of government and philanthropy in supporting the arts.
