The prestigious Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is set to host FIFA for nearly three weeks ahead of a major football event, a move that will displace scheduled performers including the National Symphony Orchestra.
A Centre in Crisis
The arts complex has faced significant challenges since Donald Trump became its board chair earlier this year. Reports indicate the Kennedy Centre has suffered a nearly 50 percent decline in ticket sales following his appointment, creating a difficult financial backdrop for the institution.
This arrangement with FIFA will see the global football authority utilise significant portions of the centre free of charge in the lead-up to the December 5 World Cup draw.
The Trump and Infantino Relationship
The decision to grant FIFA access follows months of close interaction between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump. Their relationship has included a high-profile visit by Infantino to the White House and his public endorsement of Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
In a related development, FIFA has announced it will unveil the winner of its own newly created peace prize on December 5, the same day as the World Cup draw, with Donald Trump reportedly a possible contender for the award.
Consequences for the Arts
The immediate consequence of FIFA's occupancy is the displacement of artists and performers who were previously scheduled to use the venue. The National Symphony Orchestra is among the groups affected by this last-minute change, raising questions about the prioritisation of a sporting body over established cultural institutions.
This situation highlights the ongoing tensions at the Kennedy Centre under its new leadership and the growing influence of international sports organisations in traditionally cultural spaces.
