Why Are More Artists Canceling Kennedy Center Shows Following Trump’s Name Change?

Following a controversial decision by the Kennedy Center's board to rename the venue to include former US President Donald Trump's name, two musical acts have announced the cancellation of their performances. The veteran jazz band, The Cookers, and the dance group Doug Varone and Dancers have both opted out of scheduled shows, citing the name change as a significant factor in their decision. This move has sparked wider discussions about the implications of renaming cultural institutions and the political climate surrounding such decisions.

Last updated: 27 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Kennedy Center, an iconic venue in Washington, D.C., recently voted to rename itself the Donald J Trump and the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts. This controversial move has led to immediate backlash from performers and artists, with The Cookers cancelling two New Year's Eve shows and Doug Varone and Dancers pulling out of performances scheduled for April. These cancellations underscore a growing divide in the arts community regarding the intersection of politics and performance venues.

Key takeaways

The Kennedy Center has been renamed to include Donald Trump's name, leading to significant backlash.
Multiple artists have cancelled their performances in protest of the name change.
The centre's president dismissed the cancellations as politically motivated, labelling them "derangement syndrome."
Some lawmakers argue that congressional approval is necessary for the name change to be valid.
Members of the Kennedy family have publicly condemned the renaming, calling it disrespectful.

Timeline: how we got here

This timeline outlines key events leading up to the recent cancellations at the Kennedy Center:

1964: The Kennedy Center is named after President John F. Kennedy, shortly after his assassination.
October 2023: The Kennedy Center's board votes to incorporate Donald Trump's name into the venue's title.
Late October 2023: The Cookers and Doug Varone and Dancers announce cancellations of their respective shows in response to the name change.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

In the wake of the name change, several artists have cancelled performances, expressing their disapproval of the political implications of the renaming. The Cookers and Doug Varone and Dancers are the most recent acts to withdraw, highlighting a possible trend among artists to distance themselves from venues that they perceive as politically charged.

What was already established

The Kennedy Center was originally named to honour President Kennedy, and its renaming to include Trump's name has drawn criticism from artists, politicians, and the public. The implications of such a name change raise questions about the political motivations behind renaming cultural institutions and the potential fallout for those involved in the arts.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the immediate impact of this situation is felt in the US, its implications may resonate globally, including in the UK. UK audiences may find themselves questioning the political affiliations of cultural institutions and the artists they support, potentially influencing ticket sales and attendance at similar venues.

Businesses and jobs

The cancellations could reflect a broader trend where performers choose to boycott venues that align with political figures they oppose. This may affect not only the Kennedy Center but also other venues that face similar situations, potentially leading to a reevaluation of artist-venue relationships across the globe.

Policy and regulation

Discussions around the legal validity of the name change could impact future actions regarding cultural institutions in both the US and UK. Any legal challenges or congressional actions could set precedents that influence how names of public institutions are handled moving forward.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of venues officially named after President John F. Kennedy, which is now being contested.
2: Major performances cancelled due to the name change, representing a growing trend.
740,000: The amount in GBP that the Kennedy Center's president claims to have lost due to cancellations.
1964: The year the Kennedy Center was established, marking its historical significance.
3: Recent artists who have publicly announced their cancellations, indicating a potential movement within the arts community.

Definitions and jargon buster

Derangement syndrome: A term used to describe an irrational reaction to a political figure, suggesting extreme emotional responses.
Political stunt: An action taken primarily for its political impact rather than for its intrinsic value or results.
Cultural institution: An organisation, such as a museum, theatre, or concert hall, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of arts and culture.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, observers should monitor the reactions of other artists and organisations regarding the Kennedy Center's name change. It will be essential to see if more cancellations occur or if any artists decide to return.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Over the next few months, the situation could escalate if legal challenges arise regarding the name change. How Congress and other stakeholders respond will be pivotal in shaping future actions regarding the Kennedy Center and similar institutions.

Signals to watch

Public statements from artists regarding their future performances at the Kennedy Center.
Legal challenges or congressional discussions surrounding the name change.
Changes in ticket sales and audience attendance at the Kennedy Center's events.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the ongoing situation and how it may impact future performances.
Consider the implications of political affiliations when supporting cultural institutions.
Engage with artists and venues that align with your values and beliefs.

Don’t

Dismiss the importance of political contexts in cultural institutions.
Assume that all artists will share the same political beliefs or responses to such changes.
Ignore statements from artists regarding their stance on the name change.

Checklist

Follow news updates on the Kennedy Center and related cancellations.
Pay attention to artist statements regarding future performances.
Be aware of potential legal challenges to the name change.
Evaluate how political decisions affect your choices in attending cultural events.
Discuss with friends and family the implications of such changes in cultural institutions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the situation evolves, there are several uncertainties to consider. The reactions of other artists and the potential for further cancellations remain unpredictable. Additionally, any legal battles over the name change could take time to resolve, and the political landscape could shift, impacting public opinion and the actions of stakeholders involved.

Bottom line

The Kennedy Center’s decision to rename itself has sparked significant backlash from the arts community, leading to multiple cancellations of performances. As the situation unfolds, it is essential for audiences and artists alike to consider the implications of political affiliations within cultural institutions and how these decisions affect their engagement with the arts.

FAQs

Why are artists cancelling performances at the Kennedy Center?

Artists are cancelling performances in response to the Kennedy Center's decision to rename itself to include Donald Trump's name, which they view as a political statement that conflicts with their values.

What does the term "derangement syndrome" mean in this context?

"Derangement syndrome" refers to a perceived irrational reaction to a political figure, implying that the artists' cancellations are extreme responses to the name change.

Is congressional approval required for the name change at the Kennedy Center?

Some lawmakers argue that the name change requires congressional approval due to the original naming being established by federal law in 1964.