Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
21c Committed Through Challenges
Hotel museum finds solutions to pandemic struggles
Few institutions in the country offer an accommodation experience like the Kentuckybased 21c boutique hotel chain. 21c Museum Hotels integrate contemporary art and chef-driven culinary practices for a unique travel experience. As a multi-venue arts space, restaurant and hotel, the 21c properties have been affected by the pandemic on multiple fronts and had to pivot all sides of their operations in order to adjust to the post-covid world. 21c Bentonville closed its gallery space last spring in response to covid and was able to reopen in July, still free to the public but with a timed ticketing system rather than the previous opendoor policy.
“21c’s commitment to showcasing and sharing the art of our time from a global perspective has been strengthened by the challenges we have faced,” shares Alice Gray Stites, museum director and chief curator. “We understand more deeply the necessity of art for shaping an innovative and inclusive future.”
Here, Stites reflects on 21c’s successes from the past year and the goals she has for 2021. Q. What did you accomplish in 2020 that was better than you hoped it would be?
A. In March, we started online programming and creating virtual tours, which have been popular, especially the Artist Check-In Series. Artists in Northwest Arkansas and beyond answer questions about how they are engaging with their practice and their peers during this time. This is an effective way to nurture 21c’s relationships with artists and to promote their work; I foresee this program continuing. We’ve created scavenger hunts that are accessible via QR code, and which can be done in
person or via the virtual exhibition tours. Also now accessible via QR code is a playlist of 21c artist interviews and videos, which we can provide for guests of the Hive to take home when they order special carry-out meals, so they can enjoy dinner and a show.
The addition of Danny Baskin as 21c Bentonville museum manager was one of the best things that has happened during 2020! He joined the team in August and has been developing some really wonderful art and community engagement programming.
Q. Are there changes that came from covid that will be permanent, in some form or fashion?
A. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that, in the words of the great Octavia Butler, “the only lasting truth is change.” We will continue to embrace flexibility and innovation and look for ways to connect with our visitors, with our artists, and to create platforms in the analog and virtual worlds where thoughtprovoking contemporary art can shape perspectives. A lot of events and programs will continue to be hybrid, allowing greater accessibility to a wider audience.
Q. What do you have planned for 21c Bentonville that we can look forward to?
A. In August, we will be bringing two very special exhibits to 21c Bentonville:
“Wim Botha: Still Life with Discontent” is the first U.S. museum exhibition for the South African artist, organized with the North Carolina Art Museum.
“Truth or Dare: A Reality Show” is a group exhibition that explores the increasingly slippery slope between fact and fiction.
Some of the programming that Danny Baskin is currently developing includes virtual “Sunday Studio Visits” with local and regional artists, yoga classes and collaborations — both in person and on Zoom — with schools and other arts organizations.
OzCast, a new regional program that highlights local artists in a short weekly film series, has partnered with us twice so far, showcasing Hive Chef Matt McClure in December and “Elevate” artist Joelle Storet’s work in January. We hope to continue to develop this relationship and see what future programming opportunities can arise.
The newly developed NWA Arts Youth Mentorship program pairs high school students interested in a career in arts with arts professionals from across the region. 21c is one of many art organizations signed on to the project, and we are excited to continue this partnership as the organization develops and look forward to sharing advice and knowledge about art, careers and opportunities.