Recap: Meet the Momentary

The Momentary, a new contemporary art space opening February 22, 2020, held its first public event on the Momentary Green Saturday, October 5. 2019. The Meet the Momentary event unveiled exciting milestones, including the launch of the membership program, a new Founding Funder, and the announcement of festivals and ticket release.

“The Meet the Momentary event was a way to give the community an early look at what they can expect when we open in February. The Momentary will be a place to discover today’s visual, performing, and culinary artists, and I’m glad we were able to present a sneak peek into each of those areas,” said Lieven Bertels, director of the Momentary.

Olivia Walton, chairperson of the Momentary, expressed her gratitude for the community’s ongoing support. “The Momentary began with an ambitious vision to expand the arts and cultural offerings in Northwest Arkansas,” said Walton. “While the Momentary would not exist without the path created by Crystal Bridges, we certainly would not be here without the support of our vibrant community.”

Walton also expressed her gratitude to the Momentary’s Founding Funders, which include: Walmart, RØDE Microphones, Coca-Cola, and the Tyson Family Foundation, the newest funder for the organization.

“We see the Momentary as an opportunity to further our family legacy of supporting creative innovation. The great entrepreneurs who shaped our region were disruptors, experimenters, and risk-takers; and we hope future generations have these same traits,” said Olivia Tyson, President, Tyson Family Foundation. “As a Founding Funder of the Momentary, we support the experimental nature of art, reaching across our community and sharing our pledge to create a welcoming place for all. We value our continued partnership with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and are excited to be a part of this new chapter in our evolving region.”

The event showcased performances by Hot 8 Brass Band, a pop-up trading post by Barter Boat, community performances with For You, and an artist talk by Nick Cave in conversation with Lauren Haynes, curator of visual arts. “The excitement from the community gathered at the Momentary Green was thrilling,” said Pia Agrawal, curator of performing arts. “We can’t wait to share more about our exciting program lineup when tickets go live for members on December 12, 2019.”

Festivals and dates announced at the event include:

TIME BEING (February 22-23, 2020)

TIME BEING is the Momentary’s inaugural festival of performance. Working with artists from around the world, TIME BEING features a variety of dance, music, and theater experiences throughout the Momentary’s opening weekend.

FreshGrass | Bentonville (April 24-25, 2020)

FreshGrass | Bentonville makes its debut at the Momentary. A wonderland of traditional and cutting-edge bluegrass and roots music, FreshGrass | Bentonville is the first time that the festival will be held outside its annual September dates at MASS MoCA. With a diverse lineup featuring icons and new discoveries alike punctuated by special commissions, contests, and unique collaborations, FreshGrass will bring the Momentary to joyful life with music on outdoor and indoor stages, in the galleries, and throughout the campus. Past performers include Brandi Carlile, Bela Fleck, Old Crow Medicine Show, Rhiannon Giddens, Del McCoury, Mavis Staples, Emmylou Harris, the Indigo Girls, Iron & Wine, and Dwight Yoakam.

VOX (September 25-26, 2020)

Produced by the Momentary, VOX celebrates the human voice, bringing together singular vocalists from across musical styles and continents. Transport to faraway places through songs and performers from around the globe. Listen to singer-songwriters and wordsmiths with old and new stories, and let the soothing sounds of surprising jazz and gospel talent take you into the night.

INVERSE Performance Art Festival (November 13-15, 2020)

INVERSE Performance Art Festival began in Northwest Arkansas in 2016 as a collaboration between Cynthia Post Hunt of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Emma Saperstein of San Luis Obispo, California. In its three-year span, INVERSE has presented over 100 performances, workshops, and artist talks by artists from around the world.

Tickets for events at the Momentary will be live online for Momentary Members on December 12, 2019.

The Momentary membership program features three levels with benefits ranging from early access to information and events, 20 percent discount on event tickets, and daytime access to coffee services at the Tower Bar. More information about the Momentary membership program can be found here.

Individuals who sign up prior to the Momentary opening will become an Original Momentary Member. Original Momentary Members will enjoy member-only events prior to opening.

For news updates, follow the Momentary on the Blog, Facebook or Instagram. Sign up to receive the Momentary’s e-newsletter by selecting the Momentary interest here.

Image provided by For You Productions.