WHERE YOU LEAD
The Arkansas Cinema Society is looking to the future with its new ACS Film Mentors Program. This initiative offers the opportunity for up-and-coming creatives to receive “one-on-one guidance from seasoned, working filmmakers.”
This program is the latest in ACS’s efforts to build on young filmmaking talent in the state. In 2019, the nonprofit launched its Filmmaking Lab for Teen Girls, another mentorship initiative where girls ages 16-18 learn about every step of the filmmaking process from screenwriting to sound design.
According to the ACS, its Film Mentors are designed to “encourage and develop voices from beyond the major media centers.” Find out how you can be a mentor or a mentee at ArkansasCinemaSociety.org.
MISS MAYA
The Celebrate! Maya Project is an Arkansas-based nonprofit honoring one of its most notable natives, Maya Angelou. The group teams up with local schools and other nonprofits, especially in the Arkansas Delta, for everything from public forums and history workshops to scholarships and creative arts competitions.
In February, the group launched a new quarterly community series exploring the life and legacy of Angelou called Celebrate! Maya Project Presents.
“We are excited to launch the Celebrate! Maya Project Presents during Black History Month,” president Janis Kearney says. “Dr. Maya Angelou epitomized greatness in so many fields, including education, civil rights, journalism, human rights and, most especially, literature. The Celebrate! Maya Project proudly illuminates Maya’s life and legacy during Black History Month, and throughout the year.”
BIG MOVES
► Lindsey Boerner has been named the interim executive director of neighborhood nonprofit SoMa 501.
► The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas recently found its new associate executive director in Rebecca Pittillo.
BLACK TIES & TUTUS
On Friday, March 6, Ballet Arkansas will hold its ninth annual Turning Pointe Gala at the Chenal Country Club. This year’s gala will see Clark Trim of Colonial Wines & Spirits receive the Above the Barre Award for extraordinary community leadership and arts advocacy, an award the nonprofit rarely presents.
“Clark and Colonial have done so much for the ballet, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them,” executive and artistic director Michael Fothergilll says. The event features a cocktail hour, seated dinner, dancing, live music, dance performances and more.
“When you support Ballet Arkansas, you support more than just a performance on stage,” Turning Pointe chair Patricia Farnsworth says. “On the surface you support a community of classically trained dancers who work tirelessly to provide the highest level of dance performance for the public to enjoy, but your support also allows Ballet Arkansas to provide the community with life-changing arts education and outreach.
“A gala is an opportunity to gather in community with people who are seasoned to the art form and with those who are curious, drawn to the arts and desire a closer connection with the dancers they see from the audience. The Turning Pointe Gala is just that, a wonderful way to connect with your community and those who bring joy to so many through their performance.”
SAVE THE DATES
Bolo Bash Luncheon
April 15
Actress Joey Lauren Adams is returning to her home state to headline the Baptist Health Foundation annual fundraiser.
Ragin’ Cajun Bash
April 30
Crawfish and all the trimmings await guests at this CARTI event with local craft beer and entertainment.
Empty Bowls
May 8
Now in its 18th year, the Arkansas Foodbank gala returns to the Robinson Center to combat hunger in The Natural State.
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