What Next | Daily News and Analysis The Arts of the Deal
May 7, 2025
In this discussion, Alisa Solomon, Director of Arts and Culture at Columbia Journalism School, and Katy Waldman, New Yorker staff writer, dive into how Donald Trump is reshaping the arts scene. They explore Trump's controversial role at the Kennedy Center and the chaos surrounding grant cancellations at the National Endowment for the Arts. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by artists, particularly regarding diversity and funding under shifting political landscapes, and emphasizes the resilience of the artistic community amidst these pressures.
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Conan O'Brien Amid Kennedy Center Turmoil
- Conan O'Brien accepted the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize amid political tension from Trump's recent board chair appointment.
- Many Kennedy Center employees were anxious and some resigned or were fired soon after the event.
Kennedy Center's Founding and Design
- The Kennedy Center opened in 1971 as a cultural hub and memorial to President Kennedy.
- Its monumental design aims to feel official and welcoming, not a place for artistic risks.
Trump's Shifting Kennedy Center Approach
- Trump's first-term approach was hands-off due to artist boycotts after Charlottesville.
- His second term is marked by a forceful takeover disrupting the Kennedy Center's ecosystem.