Artist in Education In-School Residency
SWAAC’s AIE program is considered one of the best in the state. In partnership with local school districts, SWAAC has continuously provided opportunities to thousands of students throughout southwest Arkansas to benefit from AIE for over 30 years. Artists approved by the Arkansas Arts Council are scheduled for residency programs in local schools using diverse disciplines including literature, poetry, videography, history, science and math, as well as art.
After-School
Summer Residency and
STAR Academy
In partnership with local entities, SWAAC proudly offers programming for children after school and during the summer. SWAAC participates with the University of Arkansas Hope’s Kids’ College to provide innovative and kid-centric classes with artists from the Arkansas Arts Council Registry.
STAR Academy, a one-week theater performance and set-designing experience for youth, culminating in a public performance. This fantastic summer camp is open to ages 8-17. Actors and non-actors alike are encouraged to attend — there truly is something for EVERYONE!
Registration will opens in May.
Gallery Exhibits
We are proud to offer five to six exhibits each year depicting various types of art and artists. Each gallery is free and open to the public in the Arts Station, located at 200 East Division Street in Hope.
Exhibits have included paintings, photography, wood-working, and mosaics, among other art forms. The SWAAC Gallery Committee also presents a Holiday Bazaar each each year to feature the works of area artisans and crafters for sale as the Christmas season approaches.
Homeschoolers Meet Up
SWAAC offers monthly art classes for homeschooled children. Every month is a new activity covering one of the many art-centric skills. Art Co-op classes are divided by two age groups, 9 and under, 10 and up. The younger group meets on the 3rd Tuesday, the older group on the 3rd Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise scheduled). Each class session is $10 per child.
Community Focus
The Arts Council actively participates in community events and activities such as Train Days, Chamber of Commerce Community Coffees, Fourth Thursday Slip Aways, and many other unique community festivals and events.
ARTpark
SWAAC established the ARTpark in downtown Hope in a 33,000-square-foot parking lot. Designated by the city as an avenue to local and visiting artists, the space provides an opportunity for artists of any age and skills to project their talents on 9x10-foot sections of sidewalk and an adjacent parking lot.
To request a spot at the ART Park, please complete this form.
Other Events
SWAAC also provides workshops in various disciplines (poetry, art, personal recordings of history) and works to participate in any request for art activities from community organizations. Events like the popular Daddy Daughter Dance help add excitement for the arts at an early age. Recently SWAAC has partnered with Hempstead Hall and the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana to provide a series of theater workshops and troupe performances under the name the SWActors Guild.