US – corruption in the arts
The US John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington DC, a highly visible government owned and run entertainment venue, has been accused of extreme partisanship and as such has lost many bookings and has been subject to controversy since the Trump administration came into power. Now the US Senate Democrats have accused the present management of corruption, mainly influence peddling. GBH a leading multiplatform creator for public media in America, has reported on the present issues. They note that the Democratic Senators sent a letter which includes “[a]llegations of financial mismanagement come at a time of declining audiences, artist cancellations, layoffs and resignations at the Kennedy Center.” This has included several cases where discounts have been made for friends of senior members of the Trump administration, as well some bookings which have been made with significant discounts. And example of this included FIFA’s use of the Center for free, with the comment that FIFA donated significantly more.
Why should we care and what should be done? In this case, this is important as it is a preeminent national cultural landmark in Washington, DC, as it is maintained by the federal government, though its programming and staff are supported by a combination of private and federal funds. The fact that the Center is seemingly being used inappropriately is a concern, as it is one of the many questions being raised regarding the Trump administration. The continuing misuses of federal resources for the benefit of those who are in positions of public leadership should be brought to light and should then be held to account. Again, the fact that this is publicized is essential and in this case the government is holding the officials answerable to both the Congress as well as to the public.
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