The Kennedy Center broke its all-time attendance record for a public event March 29, with over 11,000 attendees for the EARTH to SPACE: Arts Breaking the Sky fireworks show, the Daily Caller has exclusively learned.
The history-making moment was celebrated amid a flurry of criticism from liberals about President Donald Trump’s takeover of the entertainment facility. Critics voiced concerns about Trump’s understanding and appreciation for the arts when he took control of the Kennedy Center. However, attendance numbers have told a different story. With a focus on shifting away from politically-charged programming, the facility experienced tremendous success with a widely-attended fireworks show.
EARTH to SPACE festival, Cai Guo-Qiang’s Art Interspecies Love Letter
Roma Daravi, VP of PR for the Kennedy Center boasted the successful turnout in a statement issued to the Daily Caller.
“It was wonderful to have so many new visitors at the Kennedy Center for Cai Guo-Qiang’s firework showcase. We look forward to their return for more wonderful programming soon. Everyone is welcome here!” Daravi said.
EARTH to SPACE festival, Cai Guo-Qiang’s Interspecies Love Letter
The fireworks show, Cai Guo-Qiang’s Interspecies Love Letter, didn’t just attract a historic number of patrons to the venue — it also snagged numerous first-time attendees.
A Kennedy Center representative noted that 76% of all attendees at the EARTH to SPACE festival had never stepped foot in the venue before. The event was open to the public, with free first-come, first-served tickets available on the Kennedy Center website.
EARTH to SPACE festival, Cai Guo-Qiang’s Interspecies Love Letter
Visitors took in the show on the 360-degree rooftop terrace and flocked to the riverwalk to take in the magic of art as the fireworks filled the skies above the Potomac River. The first 800 visitors were treated to a VIP experience by having the opportunity to send an individual firework into the sky through the cAITM — Cai Guo-Qiang’s custom AI model — web interface.
The EARTH to SPACE festival continues through April 20th.
Trump named conservative firebrand Richard Grenell as the president of the Kennedy Center amid a series of moves designed to strengthen Trump’s grip on the performing arts center.
https://dailycaller.com/2025/04/09/kennedy-center-donald-trump-ric-grenell-earth-space-arts-breaking-sky-festival-fireworks-attendance-record/
