CACHE issues annual report on performing arts impact

Creative Arkansas Community and Exchange (CACHE) recently released its 2024 annual report that shows it invested $372,416 in area creatives and organizations last year. Total attendance at its performing arts venue, The Medium, rose to 17,504 in 2024, up 2,928 from the previous year.

The report is its second as a nonprofit and is available at this link.

The Creative Exchange Fund hosted the second cohort comprising 33 artists and 22 events in 2024. The total value of space provided to artists whose projects took place at The Medium was $41,861. The CACHE initiative promotes performing arts, artist residencies, curatorial opportunities, and music development at The Medium.

Groundwaves Arkansas concluded in 2024. Led by rapper and mentor Murs, the four-year program was established to develop the region’s hip-hop artists. The members performed several times at the Happiness of Pursuit Festival in California, produced albums and collaborative projects, and opened for Big Boi and Run the Jewels at the Momentary. Members received 178 hours of one-on-one mentorships and participated in 42 hours of open mic performances.

The first year of the Artists Creative Fund ended in April. It provided $200,000 to Tulsa-based artists.

CACHE hosted its first in-person communications conference, CommsCon, and launched two programs, Social Hour and Table Talks, to bring together area artists. At the next Social Hour, Joanna Sheehan Bell, the city of Fayetteville’s arts and culture director, will share details of the city’s new Culture Plan. The event will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 14 at Fayetteville Public Library.