UPDATE: Kennedy Honors Diversity Flap Continues
UPDATE: The National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures says its seeking more dialogue with the Kennedy Center in the wake of last month’s controversy over the virtual non-existence of Latino artists in the roster of the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors program. From the press release:
NALAC is taking steps to engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue that can shed light on the Kennedy Center’s ongoing relationship with Latino artists and arts and cultural organizations across the United States. We agree that it is critical to recognize the contributions of Latino artists in the Kennedy Honors program. It is also important to acknowledge the ongoing engagement of Michael Kaiser and his staff with non-profit Latino organizations and other organizations of color across the country throughout his tenure.
Controversy over the lack of Hispanic artists included in the prestigious the Kennedy Center Honors program went national over the weekend, making headlines after dozens of Hispanic advocacy groups demanded an apology and a bigger commitment to diversity from one of the country’s preeminent arts institutions. The award, one of the highest arts-related honors the U.S. government bestows, has been given to just two Hispanic artists out of 170 honorees since the program began in 1978.
Many of the Hispanic groups last week were also calling for the resignation of Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser, who reportedly used the “f-word” and hung up on National Hispanic Foundation Chairman Felix Sanchez after Sanchez called him Sept. 14 to ask why Latino artists were again absent from the most recent group of Kennedy Center Honors recipients.
Kaiser got around to sending Sanchez a written letter of regret on Thursday. That led many media pundits to call the skirmish a win for the Latino groups, particularly since a Kennedy Center spokesman said, “the concerns raised by Mr. Sanchez were heard and will be given serious consideration.” Though the real test will be future Kennedy Center Honors lineups.
Some links:
“Latino groups, Kennedy Center officials to talk over lack of artistic award winners” [McClatchy Newspapers]
“The Kennedy Center’s Michael Kaiser: Sorry for the outburst” [Politico]
“Michael Kaiser, Kennedy Center President, Insults Latino Leader, Faces Calls To Apologize (UPDATED)” [Huffington Post]
“Latino Organizations Tell POLITICO: Kennedy Center President Should Apologize” [Latino Rebels]
The Washington Post has a copy of the letter and letters to the editor. [Here] and [here]
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