Arts Action Fund- Take Action!
The Kennedy Center is under threat, but Congress is taking action and you can help.
As early as today, the Senate is expected to vote on new bipartisan legislation from Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) that prohibits demolition of the Kennedy Center without the consent of Congress.
Please reach out to your Senators TODAY and urge their support for the Merkley-Murkowski bill to preserve the Kennedy Center!
In its founding, the Kennedy Center was established as a living memorial to President Kennedy and the National Center for the Performing Arts. The future of the Kennedy Center currently remains in litigation.
9/15/26: The Kennedy Center closed its main building after its board of trustees voted to shut down the facility immediately.
9/17/26: Following threats of demolition by the White House, US District Judge Christopher Cooper ruled that the administration must give 30 days' notice before attempting any major physical changes or demolition.
9/17/26: US District Judge Christopher Cooper ordered the Kennedy Center to submit a detailed status report on its temporary closure while maintaining a block on the unauthorized renaming and demolition threats.
9/23/26: A court filing from the Kennedy Center extended the venue’s closure for another week and said they would continue to reevaluate the shutdown weekly.
This new legislation from Senators Merkley and Murkowski would make clear Congress’s role in deciding the future of the Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center has served as a cultural Center for Washington, DC and the nation. In a year, the Kennedy Center welcomes 2 million visitors, including 400 free shows and reaching 1.4 million students; providing a transformative experience.
Write and call your Senators TODAY and tell them to support this vital legislation to save the Kennedy Center.