INTERSECT

The Regional Arts Service Organization (RASO) at the Northwest Arkansas Council has given the Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum the generous Bridge Fund Grant, supported through a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, to fund the development of a contingency revenue stream in lieu or in addition to live in-person events for the Northwest Arkansas community. This one-time gift is dedicated to supporting the rethinking of AAFF and Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week’s current business model and will assist in crafting an adaptive response to an unreliable live-events climate through maximizing online sponsorship opportunities, creating direct to consumer product fundraising opportunities, and exploring the development of subscription-only content and experiential opportunities. This funding has given the organization the capital to begin production of a new digital platform and web-based marketing to achieve new capacities for opening revenue streams beyond live event ticket sales and in-person fundraising events. With a robust online presence, AAFF & NWAFW will be able to expand income potential, develop new and exciting programming, and grow the reach of content beyond the regional base. 

Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum leadership will work to build an online platform to bring live and pre-recorded event content online, develop new content for the launch of the digital platform, as well as a streamlined contingency planning for live events. This will enable AAFF to work directly with local contracted web developers and in-house marketing team alongside contracted videographers, artists, designers, hair and makeup talent, models, and educational speakers. AAFF strives to create programming that is relevant specifically to under-targeted and underrepresented populations. AAFF wants to increase the visibility of minorities across racial, ethnic, economic, physical, gender expression, and ability based divides. 

AAFF and NWA Fashion Week stand in solidarity with the Northwest Arkansas Council in fulfilling a mission of creating a more inclusive NWA region. We come together and know that a diverse and inclusive region is KEY to our future. We see you, we hear you, we stand with you and pursue meaningful action against white supremacy and racism. 

Interested in helping with the development, design process, and implementation of AAFF’s new website? We would love to hear from you! Please contact our Director of Special Initiatives, Katie Marquess by sending an email to katie@arkansasfashion.org or fill out the questionnaire at the following  link: https://forms.gle/c3cD6GLmy8M5GeSWA 

For more information please Contact:

Katie Marquess

Director of Special Initiatives  

Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum

katie@arkansasfashion.org

Robin Atkinson

Chief Executive Officer

Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum

robin@arkansasfashion.org

About AAFF: Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum is a 501c3 Non-profit organization dedicated to educational programming and creative support in the mission of fostering the growth of the fashion industry in Arkansas.

Learn more about Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum, the non-profit’s mission, and educational programming at www.arkansasfashion.org