Little, Rock – The City of Little Rock is set to host the first iCREATE Fall Crawl on Saturday, Nov. 9 in what appears to be a colorful celebration of creativity and community spirit. Supported by Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., this event symbolizes a turning point in the city’s dedication to support its creative economy and give local businesses and artists a stage to flourish. At four different sites around Little Rock, each meant to highlight the rich cultural scene of the city, attendees can expect a day full of art, music, storytelling, and interactive activities.
Introduced by Mayor Scott, the iCREATE project seeks to enhance Little Rock’s creative economy by providing tools including expert seminars, financing sources, and shared venues for neighborhood artists. As the first big event of the program, the Fall Crawl encourages the public to personally experience the skill and diversity of Little Rock’s creative community. Mayor Scott sees the iCREATE initiative as a crucial first step toward transforming Little Rock into a center for artistic expression and creative economic development, therefore fostering a more inclusive and inventive community.
From 10 a.m. until noon, the celebrations start at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center on 501 W. Ninth St. Participants can immerse themselves into a fusion of art, philanthropy, and history. Soul of Philanthropy – Soul Child: The Next Gen of Giving, an interactive exhibit meant to inspire children to participate with the idea of giving back via practical activities, will be housed in the main gallery. Visitors will also get the opportunity to tour Mosaic Templars’ completely renovated permanent exhibit, which now features cutting-edge interactive displays and technology bringing Arkansas’s past to life in creative, unique approaches. The center will also have a variety of local businesses and live events to provide a friendly beginning to the creative path of the day.
At the Seventh Street Mural Corridor, located at the intersection of Seventh and Dennison Streets, the Fall Crawl’s spirit of creativity continues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Renowned for its striking murals that chronicle events from Little Rock’s diverse communities, this lively street corner will be humming with live mural paintings, giving the already colorful corridor new perspectives.
Artists and vendors from across the city will show their works, so establishing an outdoor gallery for visitors to explore. A highlight of the day’s events will be a presentation by the Bucket Band of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, which invites music enthusiasts of all ages to savor a special mix of rhythm and creativity. Both children and adults will have the opportunity to interact with a range of instruments in the “instrument petting zoo,” therefore transforming this trip into an artistic as well as an educational one.
Baker’s Alley behind the Arkansas Repertory Theatre invites individuals wishing to leave their own imprint to participate in a community painting celebration. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., participants can grab a paintbrush and add their touch to the vibrant rainbow-painted roadway. Supplies and refreshments are provided so everyone may design their own Little Rock artistic setting. This participatory event seeks to involve people of all ages in a cooperative art-making process so transforming the alley into a canvas honoring Little Rock’s shared creative energy.
The public is invited to join a unique free performance of The Breach, a potent play highlighting tales of resiliency from soldiers and their families, at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre on 601 Main St., where the events of the day will come to an end. Beginning at 2 p.m., the performance is a moving homage to the experiences of those who have served, therefore fostering a forum for connection and storytelling. Before and after the show, attendees can explore the Veteran Business Expo, which highlights veteran-owned businesses in Little Rock and offers an opportunity to shop local while supporting the veteran community. There will also be local food trucks on-site offering delicious food to maintain the energy level throughout afternoon.
The iCREATE Fall Crawl honors the community, resiliency, and the people who make Little Rock a dynamic and inclusive place to live rather than only celebrates art. This event captures Mayor Scott’s vision of a city that not only values the arts but also actively funds the people and locations making Little Rock distinctive. The iCREATE Fall Crawl seeks to build closer relationships between locals and guests by bridging art, local history, and community involvement, therefore generating a ripple effect of inspiration and support for Little Rock’s expanding creative economy.
The iCREATE Fall Crawl promises an amazing experience whether one is visiting to explore Little Rock’s art installations, engage in hands-on activities, or just enjoy the lively atmosphere. Little Rock’s first Fall Crawl invites the community to come together in favor of a shared creative future with a complete roster of events at many sites around the city, therefore providing something for everyone.