Rick Canny’s Appointment as Kennedy Center’s Artistic Director Sparks Controversy

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts remains closed to the public since September, amid ongoing legal disputes. In a controversial move, the center has appointed Rick Canny, a talent manager known for working with acts like ZZ Top and Tommy Lee, as its new artistic director. This decision has invoked backlash from some staff members, who question Canny’s business practices.

In an email obtained by NPR, Matt Floca, the center’s executive director and chief operating officer, announced Canny’s appointment. Canny, who has consulted for the Kennedy Center since February 2025 under President Trump’s administration, will now oversee artistic strategy and other critical operations. Floca, previously the head of facilities, ascended to his current role in March, despite his background being in construction management instead of arts administration.

Rick will advise me and the broader leadership team on artistic strategy, business practices, presenting and talent curation, ticketing and pricing models, media opportunities, and programming sponsorships.

Floca emphasized Canny’s continued role with his consulting firm, Favor the Artist, noting his contributions to events like the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Prize. Despite these roles, internal concerns have surfaced regarding Canny’s fees and expenses.

Many staff are uneasy about the center’s financial dealings. NPR reported internal memos from Sammy Miller, the former senior director of music programming, highlighting exorbitant fees. During a particular month in 2026, Canny charged $30,000 in consulting fees, and another month saw over $28,000 in fees and travel expenses. The Kennedy Center did not address these concerns publicly.

The Kennedy Center currently defends against a lawsuit seeking closure for extensive renovations as per President Trump’s directive. Trump claims financial losses amounting to ‘hundreds of millions’ with no evidence provided. The standoff involves Trump’s demand for prominent display of his name on the building, underlining the center’s precarious position.