Artist-In-Residence Program
The artist-in-residence program supports artists in both the exploration of new frontiers and in the creation of new work. The Momentary invites artists working across disciplines to Bentonville, Arkansas, to work alongside a world-class support team of producers, preparators, and curators as they explore, experiment, research, and develop new work. As the Momentary grows as a welcoming hub that gathers and celebrates local heroes and international stars, we invite you to get to know the art of this moment.
The program is currently invitation only.
Find out more about our past artists-in-residence or check out our calendar for information on studio visits, artist conversations, and showcases of works-in-progress.
CURRENT ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE
BANDALOOP at the Momentary
February 18 – February 26, 2025
June 1 – 8, 2025
An innovator of vertical dance, BANDALOOP weaves dynamic physicality, intricate choreography and the art of climbing to turn the dance floor on its side. Since 1991, their indoor & outdoor work has been presented in over 400 locations in theaters and museums, on skyscrapers, bridges, billboards and historical sites, in atriums and convention halls, in nature on cliffs, and on screen. BANDALOOP honors nature, community, and the human spirit by bringing dance to new audiences, activating public and natural spaces, and reimagining what’s possible. Under the artistic direction of Melecio Estrella, BANDALOOP delivers expansive public art in vertical spaces. BANDALOOP believes in the power of its perspective-shifting, site-specific art as a means of dialogue between vastly different cultures and people, and as a tool to invite authentic engagement and creative curiosity.
While in residence, BANDALOOP will develop the third work in the LOOM trilogy, FLOCK. They will develop a suite of durational performances placed vertically throughout the Momentary’s campus to be performed in June 2025.
FLOCK is a performance tapestry woven through vertical dance, live music, and story. Inspired by the migrations of birds and people navigating accelerating climate and social crisis, FLOCK is a site-responsive story that brings audiences into sensate relationship with place, and one another. The heart of FLOCK asks communities to come close together as we migrate into uncertain futures and look to what birds teach us about making borderless homes. Uplifted by a multilingual musical score by Destani Wolf and Ben Juodvalkis, FLOCK humanizes and celebrates the migration experiences alive in all our lineages.
Revisit BANDALOOP’s premiere of FLOOD at the Momentary’s opening in 2020.
FUTURE ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE
There are no upcoming Artists-in-Residence.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How are artists selected?
Artists are chosen by a selection committee comprised of Momentary and Crystal Bridges staff members.
What kind of artists does the Momentary feature?
We invite artists from all disciplines, including but not limited to visual, performing, and culinary artists.
Can I apply? Is there an open application process?
Currently there is not an open application process.
How long is the typical residency?
Residencies range from six weeks to three months.
Is there public presentation expected as part of the residency?
The residency is process-based rather than product-based with artists not expected to complete projects while in residence. The artist can determine whether or not a public presentation will be conducted as part of their residency. Artists will be asked to have an open studio for the general public.
Are artists expected to cover travel and housing expenses?
Housing for all artists in residence is provided, as well as travel expenses.
Does the Momentary provide supplies?
A limited amount of supplies is provided, arranged with the artists beforehand.
Will there be a private studio?
Yes, artists will have access to a dedicated studio located in the Momentary.
Does the program accommodate family or pets?
The artist-in-residence program is a working community of professional artists and art space. We cannot accommodate family members or friends of invited guests, for either overnight stays or meals. Service animals are the animals allowed to accompany the artists.
What can artists do when they’re not working?
The Momentary is right in the heart of Bentonville! When artists aren’t working, there is an abundance of restaurants, museums, performing arts centers, and hiking and biking trails to discover in Northwest Arkansas.
Artists will receive a welcome packet and guide to the area upon arrival. Our artist liaison will be able to supply information and recommendations for activities around town.