Kennedy Center appoints Rick Canny as artistic director

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has appointed Rick Canny as its new artistic director. Canny, a former talent manager and representative for rock acts such as ZZ Top and Tommy Lee, has been serving as a consultant for the institution through his firm, Favor the Artist.

Canny will advise Executive Director Matt Floca on artistic strategy, talent curation, ticketing, and sponsorships. His appointment comes at a period of significant transition and instability for the center. The main building is currently closed for a two-year renovation project, a closure that is presently being contested in federal court.

Since President Donald Trump assumed control of the center in early 2025, the institution has faced a decline in ticket sales and donations, alongside the departure of various artists from scheduled programming. While the main building remains dark, the center intends to maintain limited public and educational programming via its annex. Some staff members have reportedly raised concerns regarding Canny’s previous business practices as a consultant for the institution.