The Kennedy Center names new artistic director, amid concerns
The Kennedy Center has appointed talent manager Rick Canny as its new artistic director, despite internal staff concerns regarding his previous consulting practices. The institution is currently facing operational challenges and legal disputes regarding its closure.
Why it matters
The appointment highlights ongoing governance and management tensions within major cultural institutions during periods of financial and operational instability.
The Kennedy Center has named Rick Canny, a talent manager who has worked with acts including ZZ Top and former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, as its new artistic director. His appointment came despite complaints from staff about his business practices as a consultant for the arts institution.
According to an email obtained by NPR sent to high-level staff Thursday, Matt Floca, the center's executive director and chief operating officer, announced that Canny would be the center's new artistic director. Canny has served as a consultant to the Kennedy Center since shortly after President Trump became the institution's chairman in February 2025.
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