The Kennedy Center is America's living memorial to President Kennedy and the nation's busiest arts facility. The Center presents and produces a variety of theater, musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, world, and folk music, and multimedia performances for all ages. We are the nation’s beacon for the performing arts, engaging artists and audiences around the world to share, inspire, and celebrate the cultural heritage by which a great society is defined and remembered. 

The Center serves as a catalyst among American arts organizations, eager to explore new directions and inspire audiences locally and worldwide. Whether through our NSO In Your Neighborhood initiatives, our expansion of Hip Hop programming, or the carefully curated programs intended to reflect the rich diversity of our culture, we are committed to reaching new audiences through innovative programs.

Through numerous free events, our national impact in arts education, and the diverse array of programs, art forms, and guest artists on our stages, we pride ourselves in reflecting and making a difference in our community and world today. The Kennedy Center is an institution and gathering place where all are welcome. Our expanded programming palette and the ongoing development of our new building expansion, called The REACH, are indicators of a growing, thriving organization. We have named this new extension of our campus The REACH for the words that inspire us: Renew, Experience, Activate, Create, and Honor.

FY 2017 Annual Report