Jason Moran steps down from Kennedy Center's jazz artistic directorship

In the United States, composer and pianist Jason Moran has exited his role as the jazz artistic director at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on July 9. He joined the institution in 2011, taking the position shortly after the passing of his predecessor, Billy Taylor. During his fourteen-year tenure, Moran curated and developed extensive programming, contributing significantly to the center's reputation for jazz in the U.S. He expressed his gratitude towards the staff and countless artists who collaborated with him in various capacities, while noting that he stepped down on Juneteenth, a day of cultural significance in African American history. Moran’s departure comes amidst significant restructuring and controversy at the Kennedy Center following Donald Trump’s return to political power. Since Trump assumed the role of chairman and enacted changes at the board level, numerous artists have distanced themselves from the center. The environment has shifted dramatically, with executive leadership changes and artists leaving due to a myriad of reasons that include disagreements and artistic disappointment. Throughout his career, Moran gained acclaim not only as a pianist but also as a composer, bandleader, and educator, earning recognition, including the MacArthur Fellowship in 2010. His work extended beyond the jazz genre; he scored notable films such as 'Selma' and '13th' and engaged with multiple disciplines across the arts. Moran reflected on the collaborative spirit that characterized his tenure, thanking a wide array of collaborators, from architects to performers. Following his tenure, the Kennedy Center remains under scrutiny regarding its future directions and the shifting dynamics in the arts community, particularly amid the recent political changes influencing its leadership and programs. Moran's resignation symbolizes not just a personal decision but also likely resonates with broader trends of discontent among artists during politically charged times. Artists, performers, and audiences will now watch closely for whom the Kennedy Center appoints to fill the significant role that Moran vacated.