The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 2,000 performances of theater, music and dance with audiences of more than 2 million each year, making it one of the most popular cultural venues. It was first conceived by President Eisenhower in 1958 and was named after President Kennedy following his assassination, in memory of his strong support of the arts. “The country can not afford to be culturally rich and spiritually poor.”-John F. Kennedy