The Kennedy Center names new artistic director, amid concerns

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The blocked-off entrance to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Oct. 1. The center has been shut to the public since September. Saul Loeb/AFP/via Getty Images hide caption

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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Floca has no background in arts administration, programming or fundraising, in contrast to chief administrators at similar performing arts venues around the country. He was previously head of facilities at the Kennedy Center before being promoted in March, and holds a degree in construction management.

Floca wrote: "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 also wrote: "Since April 2025, Rick has worked with the Center as a consultant through his firm, Favor the Artist, including serving as creative lead for the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Prize. He will continue in this capacity while serving as the Center's Artistic Director."

The Kennedy Center is mostly closed, but it says it will maintain a small amount of public and educational programming, while the entire closure is being contested in federal court. The previous head of programming came and left within two weeks in January.

Arts administrators around the country have told NPR that booking performances for performing arts centers is done years in advance.

The Kennedy Center did not respond to NPR's requests for comment on Canny's appointment, but confirmed the contents of the email. Canny also did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Favor the Artist's website does not include any information about its client roster or about the firm's history. The published lists of his professional background indicate that Canny has little experience in programming the kinds of performers more typically booked at a venue such as the Kennedy Center, including marquee contemporary solo performers and groups, orchestras, and dance and theater troupes.