Protesters Form Human Chain Around Kennedy Centre as Demolition Threat Looms
About 1,500 people rallied in front of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. This protest was organized by Hands Off The Arts, which includes former staff, artists, and union members. Initially aimed at preventing layoffs, their focus has now shifted to protecting the institution from structural changes. Demonstrators linked arms and sang in front of a building that was partially covered with tarps, where Trump’s name had been displayed until a judge ordered its removal. Co-founders Mallory Miller and Chris Raleigh criticized Trump's impact after his board dismissals. Internal reports suggest a possible financial crisis unless Trump’s name is restored, with a resolution draft pending review by federal judge Christopher Cooper. A ruling states the administration must give 30 days' notice before any demolition.
Key facts
- About 1,500 protesters formed a human chain around the Kennedy Centre in Washington, DC.
- The demonstration was organized by Hands Off The Arts, a coalition of former staff, artists, and union organizers.
- Richard Grenell, former director, instructed curator Josef Palermo to remove artworks.
- Palermo was laid off in March and later wrote in The Atlantic opposing the purge.
- Over twenty artworks were targeted, including Joel Shapiro's Blue and fifteen in the African Lounge.
- Internal documents warn of fiscal collapse unless Trump's name is restored.
- Judge Christopher Cooper ruled Trump's name must be removed as Congress never approved the renaming.
- A federal judge required 30 days' notice before any demolition of the Kennedy Centre.
Entities
Artists
- Tara Hoot
- Mallory Miller
- Chris Raleigh
- Richard Grenell
- Josef Palermo
- Joel Shapiro
- Eduardo Ramirez Villamizar
- Jürgen Weber
- Aurelio Teno
- Deborah Butterfield
- Donald Trump
- John F. Kennedy
- Christopher Cooper
Institutions
- Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts
- Hands Off The Arts
- The Atlantic
- Artlyst
- Wikimedia Commons
- New Adventures
Locations
- Washington
- DC
- United States
- Ghana
- Colombia
- Germany
- Spain
Sources
- Artlyst —