Little Rock may have a historic heart, but it has an artistic soul. Even the original French name of the city and its namesake stone, La Petit Roche, has a poetry to it. Music, art and performing arts have long been essentials in any cultured capital, and planners can share these urban delights with attendees in several ways.
Not only does the Arkansas Repertory Theatre (501.378.0405; www.therep.org), also known as The Rep, make an excellent group outing, the facility is also available for rental. Planners can choose from the main auditorium, which seats 385 guests, or the roomy rehearsal hall. The Rep is also involved in community outreach and often hosts panel discussions on past or upcoming shows. Planners can work with the Little Rock CVB to arrange speakers or special performances.
Mixing music with meetings is especially easy at the Robinson Center. The center’s Music Hall is home to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (501.666.1761; www.arkansassymphony.org) which performs more than 30 concerts a year, as well as meeting rooms and exhibit space so planners can organize a meeting, then treat attendees to a concert. Under the orchestra’s umbrella are several ensembles, including three quartets and a youth orchestra, and planners can work with the Little Rock CVB to bring in speakers focusing on music and performance to other venues as well. Robinson Center is also a major stop for many Broadway travelling shows, and group discounts for these performances are available.
Art can be a breath of fresh air, so why not move a reception to the great outdoors? The Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden (www.rivermarket.info) in Riverfront Park features more than 30 installations, and speakers can be arranged to take attendees through the garden while informing them about the artists and the art. An open space for receptions and other events is available, and afterward attendees can meander through the park and see other permanent exhibits influenced by Arkansas history.
