The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, located in Washington, DC, has entered a temporary leasing agreement with Spirit Halloween. This arrangement is aimed at generating additional funds for the Center’s upcoming two-year renovation project, which carries a budget of $250 million and is slated to commence this summer.
A Kennedy Center employee, who requested to remain anonymous due to concerns over potential repercussions, informed Hyperallergic that the board opted for this seasonal tenancy as a financial alternative. This decision came after the reallocation of significant federal funding, initially earmarked for the renovation, was redirected to the Department of War.
According to the source, the lease includes a condition requiring Spirit Halloween to sell items like Native American costumes, Hula skirts, and other contentious products to counteract the Center’s perceived ‘woke’ orientation, a label attributed by former President Donald Trump. Although Spirit Halloween reportedly agreed to most conditions, they declined the board’s request to offer KKK costumes.
The lease is scheduled to commence in the second week of September. Despite inquiries from Hyperallergic, both the Kennedy Center and Spencer Gifts, the parent company of Spirit Halloween, have not provided any comments. Additionally, another anonymous source mentioned that the board is also considering engaging a seasonal Christmas shop as a potential tenant.
