The blocked entrance to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has been a notable sight since its closure to the public began in September. Despite this, the Center has announced the appointment of Rick Canny, a talent manager known for his work with ZZ Top and former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, as its new artistic director. This appointment has arrived amidst staff concerns over his business practices as a consultant.
An email accessed by NPR reveals that Matt Floca, the executive director and chief operating officer, informed high-level staff of Canny’s new role. Canny’s consultancy with the Kennedy Center began shortly after President Trump assumed the chairman position in February 2025. Interestingly, Floca, who previously led the facilities at the Center and holds a degree in construction management, lacks traditional arts administration experience. His promotion occurred in March.
Floca stated that Canny would guide the leadership team on several key areas, including artistic strategy, business practices, talent curation, ticketing models, media opportunities, and programming sponsorships. Canny’s current association with the Center through his firm Favor the Artist will persist alongside his new role.
Financial Concerns
While the Kennedy Center remains largely closed, a limited amount of public and educational programs will continue, even as the closure is contested in federal court. The former head of programming departed after a brief two-week tenure in January. Arts administrators have highlighted that bookings for performances generally occur years in advance.
The Kennedy Center confirmed the details of the email regarding Canny’s appointment but did not provide additional comments. Canny has also remained unresponsive to comment requests. Favor the Artist, his firm, offers no public information on its clientele or history. Canny’s professional past shows limited experience with performers typically showcased at venues like the Kennedy Center.
NPR acquired an internal memo from Sammy Miller, the Center’s senior director of music programming in March, which raised concerns about Canny’s fees. According to the memo sent to Floca and the human resources department, Canny billed the Kennedy Center $30,000 in consulting fees in early 2026. In another instance, his fees and travel expenses exceeded $28,000, covering first-class flights between Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
The Kennedy Center did not address NPR’s inquiries about these concerns. However, it told The New York Times that the $30,000 fee did not reflect Canny’s current agreement but offered no specifics. The statement added that Canny’s travel expenses were reviewed. Miller claimed he attempted resolution through the Center’s general counsel and finance office but felt those offices protected Canny.
Financial Struggles and Legal Battles
The Kennedy Center has continuously cited possible bankruptcy in public statements and court documents. Last month, Trump claimed the Center lost “hundreds of millions” without evidence. Trump and the board, mostly appointed by him, are currently fighting in federal court to close the Center for two years for renovations. Last month, Trump threatened to demolish the building if his name was not prominently displayed on the Center.