Kennedy Center Arts Workers United

@iatse.bsky.social @actorsequity.bsky.social @afm-union.bsky.social @weareagma.bsky.social

In response to President Donald Trump’s public announcement of a planned two-year shutdown of the Kennedy Center, Kennedy Center Arts Workers United issued the following joint statement: kennedycenterunions.org/statements-n...

Statement on Kennedy Center Board Action: In 1964, Congress established the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as a living memorial to President Kennedy. Only Congress can change its name.

📰 📖 Weekend read: The Kennedy Center Boycott and Its Impact on Artists in @afm-union.bsky.social's International Musician. The Orchestra Committees of the NSO & WNO write that the Kennedy Center is their home & they need strong audience engagement to thrive. internationalmusician.org/the-kennedy-...

Attendance at Kennedy Center shows - including Washington National Opera performances - supports the work of union actors, musicians, dancers, singers, stage managers, and crew members.

Every ticket purchased for a National Symphony Orchestra performance at the Kennedy Center helps sustain good union jobs, ensuring fair wages, health benefits, and retirement security for union arts workers.

Picture of a woman with viola on a purple background. Text in quotes that says: I have been a violist with the National Symphony for 43 years. Having performed all over the world, there is nothing like coming home to perform for our community in the greater Washington area at the Kennedy Center!

Denise Wilkinson is a NSO violinist and a proud member of @afm-union.bsky.social. After more than 40 years with the orchestra, she says still nothing compares to performing for audiences at the Kennedy Center, the NSO's home.

Kennedy Center ticket sales directly fund performances and support the union actors, dancers, singers, musicians, and behind-the-scenes professionals who make them possible.

Your attendance at the Kennedy Center supports over 1,500 union musicians, artists, and crew members, making their vital work in the arts possible year after year. When you attend a Kennedy Center show, you’re not just enjoying world-class art—you’re also championing good union jobs!

The Kennedy Center can only rely on ticket sales, donations, and grants to fund its performances and support the union arts workers on stage, in the orchestra pit, and behind the scenes who make these shows happen. Congressional funding is specifically designated for building upkeep.

@weareagma.bsky.social @iatse.bsky.social @afm-union.bsky.social

As proud union singers, musicians, stagehands, wardrobe professionals, and many more, we ensure every Washington National Opera performance at the Kennedy Center shines.

We are the union arts workers on stage, in the box office, and behind the scenes who ensure that every Kennedy Center NSO performance is a world-class experience.

Ahead of critical negotiations next year, we're joining together with other behind-the-scenes entertainment unions to jointly advocate for the workers who earn a living at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

We are the union actors, dancers, singers, musicians, stage managers, and behind-the-scenes workers who earn a living at the Kennedy Center. We are proud members of @actorsequity.bsky.social, @afm-union.bsky.social, @weareagma.bsky.social, and @iatse.bsky.social.

We're excited to now be on Bluesky! Follow us here and sign-up on our website to stay updated on the latest news and information from the union arts professionals who earn a living at the Kennedy Center. kennedycenterunions.org