Hello class! Today, I am blogging about our upcoming visit with representatives from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. I’m looking forward to this visit because for the past week, I have been researching the Center for a video introduction that you all may utilize to learn more about the institution and its relevance to our class. The Kennedy Center, as it’s commonly known, is located on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. (just a short walk northwest from the Lincoln Memorial and National Mall). There are many ways in which you can interact with the Center. You can attend a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra or Washington National Opera. Currently, the Opera House venue is showing “Ain’t Too Proud”, a musical about the life and music of The Temptations. The Center’s resources can also be utilized through its many social impact initiatives and arts educational outreach.
I originally became engaged with the Kennedy Center through their Youtube channel which posts free videos of theater, music, dance, opera, and poetry. The Kennedy Center Honors tribute performances are my favorite videos to stream. The honor is annually given to performing artists for their lifetime achievements and contributions to culture. Most recently the honorees were Justino Díaz, Berry Gordy, Lorne Michaels, Bette Midler, and Joni Mitchell. If given the opportunity to be in D.C. I would love to spend time visiting the Kennedy Center because of its cultural influence, service to the nation, and historical significance.
The Center opened to the public in 1971 with a gala, featuring the world premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s work Mass: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers. However, it all began in 1958, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Cultural Center Act (P.L. 85-874); the first time the U.S. government has helped finance a performing arts complex. Their dream was to build a cultural center for the nation to serve the American people. The mission statement on their website says, “As the nation’s cultural center, and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, we are a leader for the arts across America and around the world, reaching and connecting with artists, inspiring and educating communities. We welcome all to create, experience, learn about, and engage with the arts.”
The Center’s original Board of Trustees, which included President John F. Kennedy, took the lead in the initial fundraising campaign for the Center to attract private donations. President Kennedy was a great supporter of the arts, and in his administration, he approved legislation to expand the Center’s trustees and extend the fundraising deadline. After the assassination of President Kennedy, President Johnson signed a bill to rename the center as a “living memorial” to Kennedy. The Law also authorized an additional contribution of $23 million to help build what is now the “John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts”.
As we study the relationship between democracy and the arts in Interim class, it is fascinating to look at the Kennedy Center from the perspective of a public/private partnership. According to the Kennedy Center’s website, the Center annually receives federal funding to pay for repairs and maintenance of the building and grounds. It is considered a federal facility. However, the Center’s artistic programs, educational initiatives, and other administrative functions are funded through ticket sales and donors.
The executive leadership of the Kennedy Center includes the Chairman, President, and additional groups like the Executive Administration, Board of Trustees, and Artistic Partners. I think it’s worth mentioning that the currently serving U.S. President appoints members of the Board of Trustees and the First Lady is traditionally an “honorary chair”.
We will welcome into the Zoom room on Monday: Betty Siegel, Dianne Nutting, and Roger Ideishi from the Kennedy Center Office of Accessibility and VSA. They will talk more about arts accessibility for people with disabilities. Please take a look at Landry’s blog post and video to learn more about this specific office at the Kennedy Center!
Before I sign off on this blog post, here is a link to watch my favorite Kennedy Center Honors tribute: Heart performs “Stairway to Heaven” to honor Led Zeppelin. Enjoy and see you soon!
