Ben Folds on taking a stand for artistic freedom after Trump's Kennedy Center takeover

Key Concepts

• Ben Folds: Musician, songwriter, former artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO).
• Ben Folds Five: Folds' band, known for off-kilter piano pop.
• National Symphony Orchestra (NSO): The orchestra associated with the Kennedy Center.
• Kennedy Center: A prominent performing arts venue in Washington D.C.
• Artistic Adviser: A role Folds held at the Kennedy Center, curating collaborations between pop and classical artists.
• Donald Trump's Takeover of the Kennedy Center: The controversial appointment of allies to the Kennedy Center board and subsequent changes.
• "Woke Political Programming": A term used by Richard Grenell to describe previous Kennedy Center programming.
• Art and Democracy: The intersection of artistic expression and democratic values, explored in the "Art in Action" series.
• "But Wait, There's More": A song by Ben Folds reflecting on societal desensitization and increasing weirdness.

Ben Folds' Career and Role at the Kennedy Center

Ben Folds, a musician celebrated for his piano-driven pop and respected songwriting, also held an influential position as the artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) for nearly a decade. His band, Ben Folds Five, achieved unexpected success with their self-titled debut album 30 years ago, establishing them in the indie rock scene. Folds has since expanded his career to include writing hits for animated films and serving as a judge on "The Sing-Off."

In 2017, Folds was appointed artistic advisor to the NSO, a role he held for eight years. In this capacity, he was responsible for curating collaborations between prominent pop artists and the classical musicians of the NSO at the Kennedy Center.

Resignation from the Kennedy Center

Folds resigned from his position in February following President Trump's controversial overhaul of the Kennedy Center. Trump announced a restructuring, stating, "We ended the woke political programming and we're restoring the Kennedy Center as the premier venue for performing arts anywhere in the country, anywhere in the world."

Folds explained his decision, stating that the Kennedy Center "is for the people. It's not for political gain, but it became partisan." He felt that remaining in his role would constitute "complicit support" and that he would be a "pawn."

The overhaul involved Trump replacing 18 members of the bipartisan board with his allies, who then elected him chairman and fired former president Deborah Rutter. Folds announced his departure on Instagram, calling it the "ultimate gig." This move was followed by other artists and organizations withdrawing from the Kennedy Center. The producers of "Hamilton" canceled their shows, artists like Issa Rae pulled out of performances, and the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C., reported their shows were scrapped by the center itself.

Arguments Regarding Kennedy Center Programming

Richard Grenell, the center's new interim president, argued that previous programming, which he labeled "woke propaganda," was unprofitable, partisan, and failed to connect with audiences. He stated in September, "I think people need to understand that arts institutions across the country, including Broadway, are losing money. They're in terrible financial shape. And I think largely it's because you're not appealing to the masses on programming."

Folds strongly refuted this, calling it "a lie." He argued that while no single performance can appeal to everyone, the Kennedy Center hosted "thousands of shows" and aimed to represent "everything." He emphasized the importance of diversity and representation, stating, "I think you should be able to go to a place like the Kennedy Center sponsored by we the people, and you should be able to see yourself on stage." He highlighted the impact of not seeing individuals who look like oneself conducting, dancing, speaking, or being admired, and praised the Kennedy Center for reflecting the diversity of America.

The Significance of the Kennedy Center and Artistic Power

Folds believes the Kennedy Center's significance is tied to power. He stated, "It's safe to say that any authoritarian movement likes to take arts and culture or control it or stymie it in some way, throttle it, use it early on, because that's where message comes from."

Folds' Final Performance and Future Outlook

Before his departure, Folds recorded a live album with the NSO, which he felt was important for the orchestra to be making albums, as he believed they should be more prolific in releasing recordings. This performance, held days before the 2024 election, captured the prevailing mood and anxiety. Folds' song "But Wait, There's More," written around 2021, reflects on the increasing strangeness of events and societal desensitization.

Folds views the role of artists as being "expressive and be honest." He expressed sadness at leaving his role at the Kennedy Center but hopes the NSO will not be "held hostage." He intends to continue supporting the arts in the private sector and hopes the Kennedy Center will "come back to its shining beacon on the hill."

Conclusion

Ben Folds' resignation from the Kennedy Center highlights the tension between artistic freedom and political influence. His perspective emphasizes the importance of arts institutions reflecting societal diversity and serving as a platform for broad expression, rather than being co-opted for partisan agendas. Despite his departure, Folds remains committed to supporting the arts and advocating for their role in a democratic society.