Kennedy Center Faces Financial Collapse

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is facing imminent financial collapse and serious structural problems. According to internal documents obtained by The Washington Post, the institution may not have enough money to cover payroll or routine maintenance within weeks.

Ahead of Tuesday’s board meeting, management is proposing to publicly recognize President Donald Trump’s role on the building’s facade. Officials argue that without appropriate recognition, Trump is unlikely to help raise the funds needed to avert bankruptcy and oversee the renovation.

Meanwhile, ticket sales and donations have fallen significantly since the board added Trump’s name to the center’s title last year. The name change has also become the subject of a legal dispute.

The center is also facing serious structural problems. During a storm in September, part of the ceiling in the main foyer collapsed, while engineers discovered extensive corrosion in structural elements. Management is therefore recommending the immediate closure of the main building because of potential risks to employees and the public.

The board had already approved a two-year closure in August as part of an approximately $250m renovation project. However, the new proposal calls for the main building to close immediately. The newer annex, The Reach, would remain open, while programs would continue at other locations.

(max)