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
Mekko Harjo
October 9 – November 9, 2024
Mekko Harjo’s work weaves personal narrative into expansive considerations of Indigenous resurgence. With his research-driven output, Harjo examines subcultures, small histories and anti-capitalist temporalities across a range of ephemeral and physical mediums. Inspired by the misuse and appropriation of consumer technology, the artist collages elements of installation art, spoken-word performance, and familial exposé into conceptually intricate renderings. Harjo’s practice promotes a discourse on the role of individual agency in navigating the shifting peripheries of Indigenous identity under late-capitalism.
Mekko Harjo is an artist based in New York and a member of the Quapaw Nation of Oklahoma. While in residence, Mekko will continue his research into Indigenous resurgent action, nightlife, and tribal culture, while spending time reconnecting to ancestral lands stretching throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Rebekah Danae
October 23 – November 27, 2024
As a whimsical feminist from the vermillion Texas desert, Rebekah Danae’s worldview hasn’t shattered but surrealized. Danae’s interdisciplinary practice spans oil painting, leatherwork, physical & social sculpture—manifesting as a spiritual dialogue that creates culture and community for the new world, from the old world, about the space in between. Formed in the rugged landscapes of Oklahoma and West Texas, Danae’s artistic process is a passionate love affair and creative rebellion, both crucible and muse.
Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Midland, Texas, Danae holds a BFA from Baylor University and began her career in education and community organizing in North Tulsa. Through her work, Danae and A Creative House orchestrate a movement in the middle of the country, made up of a diverse creative choir. Far from a lone ranger, Danae works collaboratively across a curated network—from the punk underground, homegrown rappers and producers, luxury interior designers, rodeo cowboys, and rural bootmakers, to philanthropic, political, and educational leaders. Her approach has the intended impact of critical regional culture-shaping from the current white supremacy that is prevalent regionally today and toward a co-created futurist Oklahoma, the liberated West.
While in residence, Danae will explore the intersection of art and ritual with a site-specific installation of The Infinity Barn and through the development of Performance 02 for the Momentary’s INVERSE Festival. As a nomadic installation and performance art venue, each build of The Infinity Barn acts to catalyze personal evolution and collective community imagining. The barn sculpture is both a physical and metaphorical incubator for Danae’s artistic journey that transcends conventional boundaries between artist, artwork, and audience. During residency, Danae is eager to deepen the symbiotic relationship between her work and the Northwest Arkansas community through the reciprocal exchange of ideas and experiences while contributing meaningfully to the cultural landscape of a futurist Northwest Arkansas.
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.