Our Social Credo
As the Nation’s Cultural Center, the Kennedy Center's objective is to invite art into the lives of all Americans and ensure it represents the cultural diversity of America. Our mission is to fulfill inspiration for all. We do this by creating a welcoming and inclusive culture where everyone benefits and the performing arts flourish.
As we reflect on the continual tragic and senseless acts of violence weighing on all our hearts—we recommit to delivering on this vision of unity, equity, and inclusion. During this fractured, challenging time in American history, we will always use our performances, educational initiatives, and Social Impact program to practice inclusion and representation of our shared aspirations as Americans.
At the Kennedy Center, our work is to empower artists and community. Our work is to produce impactful performances and perform with the civic good in mind as we activate all our spaces, including the REACH, the Center’s new expansion. Our work is to deploy the artist intellect to examine our culture. We wish to leave no one out of the dialogue. We work to both hold center and expand the radius. We invite all of you to join us in this important undertaking.
An important piece of that work is elevating and supporting the voices of those who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented—in the art on our stages, but also across society. ²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵÃâ·Ñ°æapp's Social Impact principles and five-year plan seek to firmly establish the Center as a champion and resource for these communities and ensure our programs, artists, staff, and audiences reflect the full spectrum of race and culture in this country. Multiculturalism is one of America’s greatest asset and has been the soul of our artistic output for generations. At the Kennedy Center, we strive for this every day.
We are able to advance our mission because of committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. Through honest discussion, our focus on DEI, and the creation of a D&I council, we are committed to always being the best versions of ourselves.