Key Takeaways
- Bank of America is offering free general admission to cultural institutions, including the Clinton Presidential Center and the Museum of Discovery, on the first full weekend of every month.
- The Arkansas Arts Council is taking nominations for its 2026 Arts Across Arkansas youth mentorship and recognition program, with categories including music composition, dance choreography, and visual arts.
- The Clinton Presidential Center has announced its public programs for the first part of 2026, featuring lectures, conversations, and events with notable speakers and authors.
- The Weekend Theater is holding open-call auditions for the play "Nuts" by Tom Topor, with production dates set for March 6-22.
Introduction to Cultural Events
The city of Little Rock is offering a variety of cultural events and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. One of the most notable events is the "Museums on Us" program, offered by Bank of America, which provides free general admission to cultural institutions across the United States, including the Clinton Presidential Center and the Museum of Discovery, on the first full weekend of every month. This program is available to Bank of America, Merrill, or Bank of America Private Bank credit or debit cardholders, and one free general admission is limited to the individual cardholder.
Arts Across Arkansas Program
The Arkansas Arts Council is taking nominations for its 2026 Arts Across Arkansas youth mentorship and recognition program. This program is open to high school students in Arkansas, and eligible categories include music composition, dance choreography, literary arts, visual arts, photography, and film. Students who are selected will be honored at the spring state finals ceremony, and cash prizes will be awarded in each medium. Educators can nominate multiple students, and a nomination form and more information are available on the Arkansas Arts Council website.
Clinton Presidential Center Lineup
The Clinton Presidential Center has announced its public programs for the first part of 2026, featuring a range of lectures, conversations, and events with notable speakers and authors. On January 31, Cornel West and Robert P. George will jointly present a Kumpuris Distinguished Lecture, discussing their perspectives on democracy and politics. Other upcoming events include a conversation with Jennifer Palmieri, former White House communications director, and a program marking Women’s History Month, featuring a conversation between the women who lead Central Arkansas arts and culture organizations. The Clinton Center will also host a discussion on the complicated relationship between Founding Fathers John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, as well as a conversation with Susan Page, author of "The Queen and Her Presidents."
Upcoming Events and Auditions
In addition to the events at the Clinton Presidential Center, the Weekend Theater is holding open-call auditions for the play "Nuts" by Tom Topor. The play involves a high-class call girl indicted for manslaughter after killing a client in self-defense, and the theater is seeking actors to realistically portray characters aged 30 to 60-plus. Production dates are set for March 6-22, and a full character breakdown and audition form are available on the Weekend Theater website. The Clinton Center’s programs will also be available to stream on demand on the Clinton Center YouTube channel, allowing those who cannot attend in person to still participate and engage with the events.
Conclusion
Overall, the city of Little Rock is offering a wide range of cultural events and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. From the "Museums on Us" program to the Arkansas Arts Council’s Arts Across Arkansas program, there are many opportunities to engage with art, history, and culture. The Clinton Presidential Center’s public programs and the Weekend Theater’s production of "Nuts" are just a few examples of the many events and activities available in the city. Whether you are interested in history, politics, art, or theater, there is something for everyone in Little Rock.