In honor of America’s 250^th anniversary during 2026, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. has planned celebratory programming themed The Promise of US.

To that end, individuals are invited to submit a self-portrait to be added to a digital mosaic of faces as part of The Portraits of US (see Kennedy Center website for details regarding submission). Next, there’s Sounds of US, a soundscape meant to reflect the diversity of America through a specially commissioned choral work entitled A Song For US. Added to that will be the Sounds of US Series, with 10 artists from disparate experiences invited to lead a day of events, workshops, exhibits and performances built around the question of what America sounds like to them. In Songs for Tomorrow, an online songwriting competition will encourage emerging composers and songwriters to submit works on the theme of fearlessness.

Other aspects of The Promise of US include Stories of US and Future of US, with opportunities for the public to enjoy free performances on Millennium Stage that explore themes of the vast range of American identity. Stay tuned for details on the year-long celebration, along with announcements regarding 2026 regular season programming with National Symphony, Washington National Opera, an upcoming Broadway series and more.

“America has long been seen as a country that drives art forward, from generation to generation,” stated Deborah F. Rutter, president, Kennedy Center. “We also recognize that our nation’s 250-year-old artistic identity is complex — embracing both individualism and the collective ‘We The People.’ Our intention with this thematic programming is to capture what the future holds for American culture. At its core, The Promise of US is a call to participate — we invite artists, audiences, and communities alike to join in creating performances, convenings, new works and conversations across the country.”