When the Kennedy Center was founded in 1971, it was meant to be a place of free artistic expression, a sanctuary where artists could showcase their talent without any political interference. However, in recent years, this iconic performing arts center has become embroiled in controversy, with many artists now refusing to perform there.
The latest artist to join this boycott is none other than the renowned composer, Stephen Schwartz, who is known for his popular works like ‘Wicked’ and ‘Godspell’. In an exclusive interview with NME, Schwartz stated that he would not set foot in the Kennedy Center as it no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be.
This statement raises an important question: what has happened to the Kennedy Center that has made artists like Stephen Schwartz and others turn their backs on it?
One of the major reasons for the artist’s boycott is the constant interference of politics in the Kennedy Center. In recent years, the center has been accused of being biased towards certain political ideologies, leading to a lack of diversity in its artistic programming. Many artists have voiced their concerns over this issue, stating that it goes against the very ethos of the center.
In addition to this, the Kennedy Center has also been at the center of controversies related to censorship. In 2018, the center decided to omit the names of the two honorees- President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump- from their traditional gala program. This caused an uproar among artists and audience members, with many viewing it as a political statement rather than a neutral act.
Furthermore, the Kennedy Center has also been criticized for its ties to big corporations and wealthy donors. The increasing commercialization of the arts has led to the exclusion of less mainstream and avant-garde works, which go against the founding principles of the center.
For artists like Stephen Schwartz, the Kennedy Center’s current state is a far cry from what it was meant to be. As Schwartz himself puts it, “the Kennedy Center has become a place where politics and profits take precedence over artistic freedom and diversity.” And he is not alone in this belief, as many other artists have also taken a stand and joined the boycott.
The impact of this boycott has been significant, with many scheduled performances being cancelled or postponed. This has not only affected the audience but also the artists who rely on these performances for their livelihood. However, despite these consequences, the artists are determined to continue their boycott until the Kennedy Center undergoes a significant change.
In response to the growing criticism, the Kennedy Center has made some efforts to address these concerns. In 2019, the center appointed Deborah Rutter as its new president, with the hope of bringing about much-needed change. Under her leadership, the center has taken steps to diversify its programming and make it more inclusive.
But for many artists, these efforts are not enough. They believe that the Kennedy Center needs to go back to its roots and become the apolitical place for artistic expression it was founded to be. There needs to be a balance between commercial success and artistic freedom, and the center should not be swayed by political agendas.
In conclusion, the Kennedy Center was once a symbol of artistic freedom and diversity. However, in recent years, it has strayed from its founding principles, leading to a growing boycott from artists. The boycott is not just about protesting, but it is also a call for the center to live up to its original vision. As Stephen Schwartz and other artists continue to take a stand, let us hope that the Kennedy Center will once again become a place of unity and celebration of the arts, free from political influence.
