Unions Issue Joint Statement on Proposed Two-Year Kennedy Center Closure

March 1, 2026

Ben Kessler  -  Ben Kessler, AFM Director of Government Affairs

As a proud DC resident, it is my privilege to work with the world-class musicians in the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). It is worth noting at the outset, because there has been some confusion and misinformation, both orchestras continue to call the Kennedy Center home.

In my earliest days at the AFM, the NSO had a brief strike. It was, sincerely, a great introduction to the people and personalities behind all that musical talent. Since then, things have not gotten any less dull for both orchestras. We talk frequently about how the AFM can best support its members during tremendously uncertain times.

As part of that effort, I represent the AFM in regular meetings with the other arts unions at the Kennedy Center. With some regularity, I will receive an email asking whether the AFM has issued a statement regarding the latest Kennedy Center news. It is of the utmost importance that we stand together with the other unions in the building. We communicate with the public using kennedycenterunions.org and related social media accounts. I will always be glad to discuss these efforts further. But if you are just looking to quickly check for the latest news, please visit the website above and follow our social media accounts.

On February 2, the unions held an impromptu meeting to draft a statement regarding the news that broke the night before—President Trump posted on Truth Social that the Kennedy Center would cease operations for two years beginning on July 4. With many editors we created a single document, and together, issued a statement.

I am very grateful for my counterparts and colleagues at Actors’ Equity Association, the American Guild of Musical Artists, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society for their dedication to their members and solidarity with ours. Without the incredibly patient folks at the Department for Professional Employees, we could not succeed as a group. Thank you, of course, to the tremendous leadership at Local 161-710 (Washington, DC), and the committees of the NSO and Opera House Orchestra.

While much can happen between now and the time of publication, I think it is essential to share the AFM statement and make sure all AFM members have access to their union’s work in support of the artists and arts workers at the Kennedy Center.

At this time, no formal notice or briefing has been provided to the unions of arts workers whose labor sustains the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. We only know of public statements issued by President Trump and an internal message to some Kennedy Center employees that reiterated the President’s social media remarks.

A pause in Kennedy Center operations without due regard for those who work there would be harmful for the arts and creative workers in America.

Should we receive formal notice of a temporary suspension of Kennedy Center operations that displaces our members, we will enforce our contracts and exercise all our rights under the law. We expect continued fair pay, enforceable worker protections, and accountability for our members in the event they cannot work due to an operational pause.

Our members remain steadfast in bringing to life theatrical, music, opera, dance, and other live artistic performances in the nation’s capital that speak to and resonate with all Americans.

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