President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to dismantle federal government agencies have now extended to cultural institutions. He has dismissed the board of directors of the Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.’s prominent cultural venue, and appointed himself chair of the iconic arts institution. Trump filled the board with allies, including conservative Fox News hosts.
Trump referred to his revamped Kennedy Center as “too woke” and promised to eliminate “drag shows or other anti-American propaganda,” stating that “only the best” would be allowed. He also declared a “golden age of American arts and culture.” In response to Trump’s actions, producers canceled a planned staging of the Broadway musical “Hamilton” at the center, and several European artists canceled their performances in the United States.
Hungarian-British pianist Andras Schiff, a child of Holocaust survivors, has boycotted concerts in the US. Schiff, who denounced attempts to shut down artistic expression, condemned the autocratic takeover under Trump and expressed little hope for the future.
Other artists, such as French-Canadian cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras, have voiced concerns about cultural policy in the US. Queyras fears the encroachment of an atmosphere of artistic self-censorship and has decided to donate the proceeds from his performances in the US to support Ukrainian defense and education.
German violinist Christian Tetzlaff has canceled his upcoming concerts, citing the silence from musicians, orchestras, and politicians in the US. German concert pianist Schaghajegh Nosrati also canceled her performances, expressing her emotional pain at the autocratic developments under the Trump administration.
Additionally, the Trump administration continues to dismantle educational institutions, with Trump stating the intention to shut down the Department of Education at his White House inauguration. It is yet to be seen how many in the cultural sphere will join the growing voices of protest and dissent.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/european-artists-boycott-us-over-trump-s-culture-policy/a-72040096?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
