FAYETTEVILLE, AR 16-18THSEPTEMBER,2025
FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS
MUSIC ADVOCACY PATH
1874
ESTABLISHMENTOFTHEUNIVERSITY OFARKANSAS'SARTINSTRUCTION
In1874,theUniversityof Arkansasbeganoffering instructionindrawingand painting,layingthefoundation forformalarteducationin Fayetteville.
1927
FOUNDINGOFGEORGE'SMAJESTIC LOUNGE
Establishedin1927,George's MajesticLoungeistheoldest andlongest-runninglivemusic venueinArkansas,hostinglocal, regional,andnationalacts,and servingasacornerstoneof Fayetteville'smusicscene.
OPENINGOFTHEWALTONARTSCENTER
In1992,theWaltonArtsCenter openeditsdoors,becoming Arkansas'slargestperforming artspresenterandahubfor diverseculturalevents, includingtheater,music,and danceperformances.
1954
ESTABLISHMENTOFTHENORTH ARKANSASSYMPHONY
Foundedin1954,theNorth ArkansasSymphony,nowknown astheSymphonyofNorthwest Arkansas(SoNA),hasprovided orchestralperformancesand musiceducation,enrichingthe region'sculturalofferings.
“I BELIEVE SEEING AND FEELING OUR COMMUNITY WRAP THEIR ARMS AROUND ARTS AND MUSIC DURING AND AFTER THE PANDEMIC GAVE US HOPE FOR SURVIVAL. FIVE YEARS AGO FEELS LIKE A LIFETIME, AND YESTERDAY ALL AT THE SAME TIME STILL. KNOWING THAT WHAT WE DO MATTERS TO SO MANY SPEAKS TO OUR HEARTS.”
BrianCrowne-Owner&TalentBuyer,George's MajesticLounge
GULLEYPARKSUMMER CONCERTSERIESBEGINS
TheGulleyParkSummer ConcertSeriesisalongrunning,community-centered musicprogramofferingfree outdoorconcertseachsummer. Itshowcaseslocalandregional talentinafamily-friendlypark setting.
LAUNCHOFTHEARKANSAS MUSICPAVILION
TheArkansasMusicPavilion,openedin 2005,isanoutdooramphitheaterthat hashostednumerousconcertsand events,enhancingtheregion'slive musicofferings
LAUNCHOFTHENORTHWESTARKANSAS MUSICECOSYSTEMSTRATEGY
Introducedin2018,theNorthwest ArkansasMusicEcosystem Strategyaimstosupportand growthelocalmusicindustry throughstrategicplanningand communityengagement.
FORMATIONOFTHE FAYETTEVILLEARTSCOUNCIL
Establishedin2008,the FayettevilleArtsCouncilaimsto promoteandenhancethecity's artsandculturalresources, supportingvariousinitiativesand programs.
NORTHWESTARKANSASMUSIC CENSUSREPORT
The2024NorthwestArkansas(NWA) MusicCensuswasacommunity-led initiativetogainabetterunderstandingof thecurrentneedsoftheNWA-areamusic community.
2025
HOSTINGOFTHEFAYETTEVILLE
Settotakeplacein2025, Fayettevillewillhostthe MusicCitiesConvention, bringingtogetherglobal leaderstodiscussthe roleofmusicinurban developmentandpolicy.
"I ATTENDED THE MUSIC CITIES CONVENTION IN LAFAYETTE IN 2017 AND IT HELPED ME CONNECT WITH SOME KEY POLICY MAKERS FROM FAYETTEVILLE WITH WHOM I'VE BEEN WORKING EVER SINCE. IT WAS A GREAT ENVIRONMENT TO FIND LIKE MINDED PEOPLE INTERESTED IN THE MUSIC ECOSYSTEM"
TravisSmith,VenueBooker,CreativeContent MarketingSpecialist