It’s a historic week for the arts scene in Arkansas.
On Monday, the Arkansas Arts Center announced it’s officially rebranding as the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA). The name is a nod to the institution’s original title, simply the Museum of Fine Arts, which opened in 1937 and became the Arkansas Arts Center in 1959.
The unveiling came at a press conference held at the under-construction AMFA that also announced a new fundraising goal of $142 million after surpassing its previous goal of $128 million.
“The new Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is a game-changer for our city and state, and the enthusiasm for the project has prompted us to think even bigger,” says Warren Stephens, AMFA Foundation chair and capital campaign co-chair. “As we continue to build the endowment, this new fundraising goal will allow the museum to bring dynamic and diverse special exhibitions to Little Rock and offer our community and statewide audiences engaging arts experiences.”
The AMFA has been a pillar of the arts in Arkansas for nearly a century and is home to a world-renowned art collection, art school and performing arts. Located in MacArthur Park, the museum closed its doors in 2019 to undergo massive renovations led by architecture firm Studio Gang that are set to conclude in 2022.
Higher fundraising goals mean tangible additions to the finished AMFA, including an additional 1,000 square feet of gallery space, an expanded landscape footprint and the preservation of the museum’s historic facade.
“We are bringing the very best of art and architecture to Little Rock,” AMFA executive director Victoria Ramirez says. “The increased campaign goal allows us to realize and better equip even more spaces for innovative events and programming to better serve the community. We are also able to show more art, including contemporary works, in the galleries, in hidden corners throughout the building and grounds. The new building launches a new era of programming and exhibitions for the museum.”
For more information, visit the new AMFA website and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.
Today, a new chapter begins. The Arkansas Arts Center is now the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. Learn more at https://t.co/yPXKtCLv5T. pic.twitter.com/XTDca7tWIQ
— Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (@arkmfaorg) January 25, 2021