Being welcoming is much more than being friendly, tolerant, or peaceful. Truly welcoming places have intentional, inclusive policies, practices, and norms that enable all residents to live, thrive, and contribute fully - including immigrants.
Welcoming places are made possible by welcoming people and leaders, including immigrants themselves. Whether you're a student, librarian, government worker, or business owner, each of us is empowered to foster more welcoming places at work, in our neighborhoods, and in places of gathering.
Welcoming Week NWA
Welcoming Week NWA brings together NWA Leadership Pledge supporters and the broader community to build strong connections and affirm the importance of welcoming and inclusive places in achieving collective prosperity.
Join us in celebrating Welcoming Week 2022 from September 9-18 to celebrate the places, spaces, and people that create a sense of belonging for you and others, especially those from other countries.
#WhereWeBelong
Regardless of who you are or where you come from; if you’re a recently relocated resident or an established member of the community; Visit Bentonville, our partnering organizations and community members welcome you. #YouBelongHere in our spaces and places.
What is Welcoming Week?
Welcoming Week is an annual nationwide campaign and celebration to showcase the movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. Launched in 2012 by Welcoming America and its members, Welcoming Week provides individuals and communities the opportunity to proclaim welcoming values through events and local initiatives that foster mutual understanding between immigrants and non-immigrants, as well as deeper belonging for all.
Read on to see a list of Welcoming Week NWA
Events in Bentonville
from September 8th through the 19th!
Click here to see the full calendar of Welcoming Week NWA Events
We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy
In a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a rare, original print of the US Constitution (one of only eleven known worldwide) is on view at Crystal Bridges in We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy. In this free exhibition, the document is displayed in conversation with works of art by influential historical and contemporary artists that provide diverse American perspectives on the nation's founding principles.
WHEN: September 08, 10:00 AM - January 02, 05:00 PM
WHERE: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville
Bentonville Film Festival Presents: Land of Gold
Screening & Discussion with Cast
Land of Gold is a story of hope and finding family in the most unexpected places; A universal story uniquely told from 2 first-generation perspectives. When truck driver Kiran hears pounding on a shipping container and finds a young Mexican-American girl inside, his already tumultuous life takes a drastic turn as he seeks to reunite her with her family.
WHEN: Friday, September 09, 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
WHERE: Thaden School Performing Arts Center, 805 S Main St. Bentonville
Bike Rack's Patio Concert Series
Bellwether Sirens is a diverse female-fronted, indie rock/punk band from NW Arkansas playing originally written music. All members are transplants from other areas of the country. After forming at the end of 2021, the group quickly went to work writing, and within six months they had enough songs for an EP. However, they were lacking one thing: A vocalist. Enter Anupriya Sharma. With haunting vocals, a powerful voice, and a brooding stylistic quality, the tiny framed singer packs a powerful punch and is the missing link the rest of the band was looking for.
WHEN: Friday, September 09, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
WHERE: Bike Rack Brewery, 801 SE 8th St #61, Bentonville, AR 72712
Coins Around The World
Get an up-close view of currency from around the world. View Bentonville City Council Member Octavio Sanchez's extensive collection of coins from around the world! On display September 10 – October 15.
Thinking Money for Kids was developed by the American Library Association Public Programs Office in collaboration with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, whose support made this exhibition possible.
WHEN: September 10, 12:00 PM - October 15, 12:00 PM
WHERE: Bentonville Public Library, 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
Indian Block Printing Workshop
Join us for this free block printing workshop with Sri from Ra-Ve cultural foundation.
Printing designs onto fabric most likely originated in China about 4,500 years ago and was culturally adopted in India in the 12th century. We will work together to create a unique community art piece celebrating Welcoming Week NWA 2022.
WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
WHERE: Hillfolk - textile studio & shop, 801 SE 8th Street, Suite 49 Bentonville
Native, Edible & Medicinal Plants for your Ozark Garden
Join Eric Fuselier to learn about the native edible and medicinal plants found in the Ozarks. You'll learn which parts of these plants are edible or medicinal, as well as tips for how to harvest and prepare them. This presentation will focus on species that can easily be grown in a garden setting.
About Eric Fuselier: From a young age, Eric Fuselier enjoyed foraging edible plants from the wild with his parents. As an adult, Eric continued to study wild edible plants while spending extended lengths of time in the Ozark wilderness as an avid hiker and backpacker. In 2015, he founded Ozark Primitive Skills in order to help others reconnect with the natural world. For Eric, teaching people how to harvest their food directly from the wild is just one way to facilitate this reconnection. Eric has taught classes and workshops on foraging wild edible and medicinal plants for the Ozark Natural Science Center, Apple Seeds Teaching Farm, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, as well as to a group of medical school students at the New York Institute of Technology's School of Osteopathic Medicine at ASU in Jonesboro.
WHEN: September 10, 02:00 PM
WHERE: Bentonville Public Library, 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
Heartfulness Meditation
Join instructor Amita Rathore to practice heartfulness and meditation.
According to Heartfulness.org, "Heartfulness is a simple and subtle practice of meditation that connects each of us with the light and love in our hearts. Through our network of thousands of global HeartSpots and one magnificent smartphone app, we offer the world a daily practice that awakens our potential for a simple, joyful existence. This precious gift of human transformation is offered free of charge."
WHEN: September 10, 02:00 PM
WHERE: Bentonville Public Library, 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
Motherload Community Screening: Bentonville
An award-winning documentary that uses the cargo bike as the vehicle for exploring parenthood in this digital age of climate change. Join PeopleForBikes for festivities, food, drinks, and fun at 6 PM, including a cargo bike show and demos! At 7 PM, we'll screen the award-winning documentary MOTHERLOAD, which captures a new mother's quest to understand the increasing isolation and disconnection of modern life, its planetary impact, and how cargo bikes could be an antidote.
WHEN: September 10, 06:00 PM
WHERE: Thaden School Performing Arts Center, 805 S Main St. Bentonville
Welcoming Week NWA Theme Story Time
Enjoy storytime from the comfort of your home! This week's theme is Welcoming Week NWA! Great for all ages.
WHEN: September 12, 09:00 AM
WHERE: Virtual Event
Resettlement for Refugees in NWA
Learn about Canopy's work and resettlement efforts in NWA. Canopy Northwest Arkansas will provide information about the resettlement efforts made through the organization for refugees. Participants will learn more about the Canopy's mission to create a community where refugees are welcomed and equipped with all they need to build new lives. At Canopy, they are committed to welcoming and equipping refugees with the various services and skills they need to build new lives here in the United States. Since 2016, Canopy has welcomed over 350 new neighbors to NWA, enrolled over 100 children in school, taught over 400 hours of cultural orientation, and worked with over a dozen employers in the community. This event is free and part of Welcoming Week NWA (September 9-18, 2022). Registration is required. For more information, please contact Heather Hays, Senior Librarian, at hhays@bentonvillear.com.
WHEN: September 12, 06:00 PM
WHERE: Bentonville Public Library, 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
We Are All Together
BPL invites the public to decorate a puzzle piece celebrating Welcoming Week NWA! Join BPL in celebration of Welcoming Week by decorating a puzzle piece! The pieces will be displayed in the Library to honor togetherness and inclusivity in the NWA community. All materials will be provided, and this program is considered a drop-in event. The event will last until 3 PM!
WHEN: Tuesday, September 13, 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
WHERE: Bentonville Public Library, 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
Solidarity in Racial Justice - A panel discussion
"There will be no equity without solidarity. There will be no justice without a social movement' Joia Mukherjee
Join for a unique panel discussion examining the power of solidarity within social justice movements. Panel speakers will share their personal stories and connect their narratives to their purpose for engaging in the work. Space is limited. Please pre-register using this form.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 13, 03:00 PM - 05:00 PM
WHERE: U of A Collaborative, 704 SE 5th St, Suite 130, Bentonville
Click here for more info!
Around the World with BPL
Learn about a different country from someone who grew up there! A new country will be highlighted each month. Around the World with BPL is the Library's collaboration with community members to highlight our region's growing diversity. At each session, a guest who grew up in a different country will join Ms. Asele to talk about their cultural highlights and childhood experiences. Come listen to a book, participate in an activity, and ask questions about the featured country!
WHEN
September 13, 04:30 PM
WHERE: Bentonville Public Library, 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
Bentonville Soup
Listen, eat, vote! $10 gets you a meal and a chance to support a creative project that positively impacts Bentonville. Hear from four presenters trying to improve our city over a community potluck with like-minded friends.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 13, 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
WHERE: Red Barn, Red Barn Bentonville
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Come kick off Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations at the Scott Family Amazeum on Wednesday, September 14, from 3 PM - 7:30 PM! The Amazeum will have Community Spotlights of local makers and organizations who share the goal of creating memorable moments through education while also valuing diversity and inclusion. Join us in celebrating Hispanic cultures and traditions.
The Amazeum has Priceless Night during this event from 4:30 PM-7:30 PM, where you can pay as you wish!
WHEN: September 14, 03:00 PM
WHERE: Scott Family Amazeum, 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville
The Art of Shibori
Learn how to dye and create unique patterns on fabric using the Japanese shibori method., a Japanese technique for resist-dying fabric. This ancient method involves binding, folding, and bundling fabric to produce abstract and geometrical designs.
In this workshop, participants will learn three methods of shibori to make beautiful patterns. All materials will be provided. Registration is required for this free event.*This workshop will include working with permanent dye, so participants should be mindful of clothing choices.
WHEN: September 14, 06:00 PM
WHERE: Bentonville Public Library, 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
Continuing the Conversation
Meeting at 211 Cafe in the Bentonville Public Library, the small group conversation centers around being actively anti-racist in our local community. The conversation is open to all and is facilitated by Rev. Sara Milford from All Saints' Episcopal Church.
WHEN: September 15 at 11:30 AM
WHERE: 211 Cafe, 405 S. Main St. Bentonville AR
Click here for more info!
Community Night at The Quiver Archery Range (free)
As part of Welcoming Week NWA, everyone age 8+ is welcome to join us for an evening of free, fun access to The Quiver Archery Range! All experience levels are welcome - if you've never tried archery before or don't have your own equipment yet; this is the place for you! You'll get instructions and safety guidelines from certified staff before you begin.
Pre-registration is required; Select 5–6 PM or 6–7 PM
WHEN: Thursday, September 15, 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
WHERE: The Quivery Archery Range, 1701 SW F St. Bentonville 72712
Hispanic Heritage Festival
Come and "fill your passport" by traveling to stations for each Spanish-speaking country and completing activities, learning fun facts, and tasting traditional food. Bounce houses and carnival games will be abundant. Fun for the whole family. Open to the public.
WHEN: Saturday, September 17, 10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
WHERE: Bentonville
Fifth Street Market - Fall
Shop 100+ vendors at our outdoor fall market.
WHEN: Saturday, September 17, 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
WHERE: CACHE Studios, 1004 SE 5th St, Bentonville
Road Maps to Freedom
Presented by Kerry Jones, Park Guide at the Pea Ridge National Military Park, this program explores the commonalities and differences between the Underground Railroad and the Green Book.
The Underground Railroad was a vast network of people and places who helped fugitive enslaved people escape to northern states and Canada. The Green Book was a travel guide for African Americans in the Jim Crow Era. Both served as road maps to freedom for African Americans. Participants will understand the context in which these two entities existed and learn how each functioned as a road map to freedom. Registration is not required.
WHEN: September 17, 02:00 PM
WHERE: Bentonville Public Library, 405 S Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712
Welcoming Week NWA Closing Celebration & Continuing Engagement
Celebrate the end of Welcoming Week NWA with a joyful celebration and powerful music from local creatives - Pura Coco & Sarah Lily. Our community partners and organizers will share their work and vision for how we can continue building belonging in NWA.
WHEN: Saturday, September 17, 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM
WHERE: CACHE Studios, 1004 SE 5th St, Bentonville
Indian Block Printing Project
Join us for a free block printing project workshop where Sri & Pavithra from the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation will demonstrate the ancient Chinese /Indian artistic tradition. Everyone can contribute to the community project, and kids can print their own projects to take home.
WHEN: September 17, 06:00 PM
WHERE: CACHE Studios
1004 SE 5th St, Bentonville
Interfaith Peace Walk
We walk to celebrate our diversity of Faith while seeking to build bonds of friendship, community, and peace.
WHEN: Sunday, September 18, 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
WHERE: Bentonville
Indigenuity
6th Annual Native American Cultural Celebration. Honoring the Lessons of Mother Earth is MONAH's 6th Annual Native American Cultural Celebration. This 3-Day hybrid event will highlight the work of Native scholars across the continent who lead the fight in Indigenous environmental activism! MONAH is also celebrating the work of Native voices in pop culture, food, and music to create an immersive experience through lectures, workshops, and performances!
WHEN: September 19 09:00 AM - September 21, 05:00 PM
WHERE: Museum of Native American History, 202 SW O Street, Bentonville, AR 72712
