Thousands protest Kennedy Center closure after board vote

Thousands of demonstrators gathered on the steps of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday for the “Hands Around the Kennedy Center” rally, protesting a decision by the venue’s board of trustees to shutter the iconic cultural institution. The board, whose members were appointed by the Trump administration, voted earlier this week to close the Center, citing financial deficits and a proposed restructuring plan that would eliminate several performance spaces and reduce staff. Organizers of the rally, including local arts nonprofits and community leaders, formed a human chain around the building and delivered a petition demanding the board reverse its decision and explore alternative funding solutions.

The protest comes amid growing criticism of the board’s handling of the Center’s budget and concerns that the closure would deprive Washington, D.C., of a major platform for theater, music, and dance. City officials have not yet responded to the petition, while the Kennedy Center’s management indicated that the vote was intended to prompt a broader dialogue with stakeholders. As the debate continues, supporters of the venue pledge to maintain pressure on the trustees, emphasizing the Center’s historic role in American arts and its impact on the local economy.