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Kennedy Center Names Talent Agent Rick Canny as Artistic Director
Just the facts
The executive director of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced the appointment of talent manager Rick Canny as the institution's artistic director and head of programming. Canny previously worked as a talent representative for prominent rock musicians, including the band ZZ Top and Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee. The hiring decision drew concerns and scrutiny from arts community observers regarding his commercial entertainment background compared to the institution's traditional focus on multidisciplinary performing arts. Located in Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center operates as a federally chartered public-private partnership and serves as the United States' national center for the performing arts.
Why this is news
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced the appointment of talent manager Rick Canny as its new artistic director. The announcement establishes Canny as the head of artistic programming for the national cultural center in Washington, D.C.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.