Walton Arts Center

Location

The Walton Arts Center is located at 495 West Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It stands as the state's largest and busiest performing arts venue, deeply embedded in the region's cultural landscape since its opening in 1992.

The center offers a diverse array of performances catering to a wide range of artistic tastes.

Venue Spaces

The Baum Walker Hall is the center's main venue, featuring a proscenium stage with a seating capacity of 1,200. It is ideal for large-scale performances such as Broadway shows, concerts, and lectures.

For more intimate events:

• The Starr Theater provides a black box setting for up to 250 people.
• The Studio Theater, at the Nadine Baum Studios, accommodates 300 guests.
• The McBride Studio offers versatile space for meetings, receptions, and classes with a capacity of 100.
• The Cynthia H. Coughlin Gallery/Main Lobby serves as a gathering area, hosting up to 400 for receptions and dinners.
• The Bradberry Amphitheater and Rosen Memorial Rose Garden provide a picturesque outdoor setting for events with a capacity of 200.
• The Joy Pratt Markham Gallery showcases visual arts exhibitions featuring emerging and internationally recognized artists.

Renovation and Expansion

In 2016, the Walton Arts Center completed a significant $23 million renovation and expansion. This project added over 30,000 square feet to its facilities.

The expansion improved front-of-house and event spaces, production support areas, and administrative offices, enhancing operational capacity and visitor experience.

Resident Companies and Community Impact

Walton Arts Center is home to several resident companies:

• The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas
• Trike Theatre for Youth
• The Community Creative Center

These partnerships cultivate a vibrant arts community and provide platforms for local talent.

Financially, Walton Arts Center is Arkansas’s largest performing arts organization with an annual budget of $23 million.

It attracts over 342,600 attendees annually and reaches 45,000 students, teachers, and citizens statewide through its arts education programs.

Surrounding Area

Located in the heart of Fayetteville's entertainment district, the center is surrounded by various bars, restaurants, and shops.

This positioning makes it a central hub for cultural and social activities in the region.

Summary

The Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, AR offers an extensive range of venues and programs, making it a cornerstone of the arts community in Arkansas.