Kennedy Center votes to shut down operations for 2 years and names a new president - AP News

The Kennedy Center's board of trustees voted to temporarily suspend operations for two years while simultaneously appointing a new president to lead the performing arts venue. The decision represents an unprecedented move for the prestigious Washington D.C. cultural institution, which serves as America's national performing arts center and has operated continuously since opening in 1971. The shutdown will halt all performances, educational programs, and public events at the venue, which typically hosts over 2,000 performances annually and attracts millions of visitors. The timing of naming a new president alongside the operational suspension suggests the leadership change is part of a broader restructuring effort during the closure period. The Kennedy Center receives federal funding as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, making this shutdown significant for both the arts community and federal cultural policy.