A Message from the Kennedy Center Regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
Like other cultural organizations and performing arts centers around the country, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been negatively impacted by the current coronavirus pandemic. Because the Center was created by an Act of Congress and we exist as a living presidential memorial, the Center’s economic model is different than most arts organizations. As we fulfill our congressional mandate, we rely on ticket revenues and contributions to offset nearly every aspect of our business, including presenting live (often free) performances and offering education programs for millions across the country. Additionally, the Center is a job creator, providing employment for nearly 3,000 people and compensation for more than 1,000 guest artists. Our workforce includes artists, programmers, administrative and production staff, ushers, bartenders, food service employees, parking attendants, and many more, all of whom have been impacted or will soon be impacted by the closure of the Kennedy Center. The ability to deliver on our mandated mission is at risk. As a result, federal relief funding is the only way we will be in a position to reopen the nation’s cultural center when our government officials tell us it is safe to do so.
The Kennedy Center is extraordinarily grateful that Congress has recognized our institution’s unique status and has included funding in its economic stimulus legislation to ensure that we can reopen our doors and stages as soon as we are able. We will continue to work for and seek the support of our patrons to ensure the programming continues.
In the meantime, as our concert halls and arts venues are closed across the country, the Kennedy Center’s programmers and its family of artists have come together to produce and offer free “at-home programming” at https://www.kennedy-center.org/at-home/.
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