CENTER OF THE SOUTH #1 … in NorthWest Arkansas
05/01/2025
Center of the South is the working title for this proposed cultural programming project (abbreviated weekend pilot sample). Small programs could run from Friday through Sunday (can be reduced to two days) and include 50 – 200 guest participants per event segment. Content could be inclusive of the following:
– conversations, discussions, interviews, symposiums, workshops
– culinary experiences
-exhibitions and tours
– performative content
– sports and recreational events
Objectives include: learning and community engagement — contributing toward regional sustainability with local communities feeling more connected and supported.
Ballpark estimate (pilot weekend)
Total: $40,000 – $50,000
Producer (derin young) (six months)
(exploration to launch): $8,000
Lodging, food, ground travel (three weeks): $2,000
Subtotal: $10,000
FRIDAY
Bentonville (Friday evening)
exhibition tour and / or small
performance
Subtotal: $5,000
SATURDAY
Fayetteville Library (Saturday afternoon and evening)
– culinary workshop
– performance
Subtotal: $8,000
SUNDAY
Springdale (Sunday afternoon)
-culinary experience with light
– music performance
Subtotal: $7,000
Rogers (Sunday early evening)
– Finale Performance Experience (maybe theatrical)
Subtotal: $10,000 – $20,000
Across the United States people are seeking peace and are interested in learning how to work and recreate together cooperatively — whether it be with family members, friends, colleagues or new acquaintances.
Public arts and cultural programming presented under a regional banner at various cities in Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers and Springdale) is being proposed as public programming that educates and promotes the concept of being interconnected and supported.
A week of special events including concerts, culinary events, decorative arts exhibitions, recreational and sporting events, symposiums and workshops (for all ages) is where it begins.
Local cultural programming for creative development and economic growth creates opportunities for collaboration among local and national groups. Each city in Northwest Arkansas can host events during a week of activations that culminate over a weekend of concerts, performances, dining experiences, sports and recreational events.
Participating venues could include (but not be limited to) the following:
The Apollo on Emma (Springdale)
Crystal Bridges (Bentonville)
Fayetteville Public Library Center For Innovation
The Momentary (Bentonville)
The Meteor (Bentonville)>
The Pryor Center (Fayetteville)
Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery
Theater Squared (Fayetteville)
University of Arkansas
