Kennedy Center taps Rick Canny as artistic director during closure
What's new: Canny, a consultant since 2025, will shape programming, ticketing and sponsorships as the center stays mostly shut.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has chosen talent manager Rick Canny as its artistic director while the Washington venue remains largely closed and its main building faces a two-year renovation. An internal email reported by NPR said Canny will advise executive director and chief operating officer Matt Floca on artistic strategy, talent curation, business practices, ticketing and pricing, media opportunities and programming sponsorships. Canny has worked with acts including ZZ Top, Tommy Lee and Scott Stapp, and has consulted for the center since 2025 through his firm, Favor the Artist. His appointment comes amid staff complaints over his business practices and questions about his experience booking the kinds of orchestras, dance companies and theater groups that typically appear at the Kennedy Center.