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KaniniFest: A One-Act BIPOC Play and Cultural Festival

Universal Oneness

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KANINIFEST: A One-Act Play & Cultural Festival

A Festival of Oneness!

 Bentonville, AR, US
  • $1,304 raised of $50,000 goal
  • 2 donations
  • -57615 minutes left
This is a Fiscally-Sponsored Project

Fiscally Sponsored by Fractured Atlas


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                             A One-Act Play and Cultural Festival coming Oct.11th-13th! 
The Momentary hosts the first-ever KaniniFest. A groundbreaking event that celebrates the power of storytelling and the unity of humanity. The word Kanini, derived from the Indigenous Australian word “Kanyini,” means ONENESS. Kanyini is best expressed in English as the combination of the two words ‘responsibility’ and ‘love’, but it is actually a relationship; it is an enormous caring with no limit - it has no timeframe: it is eternal. The concept of Kanyini and its four principle’s of Indigenous life mirror the principles of our festival:
-Creation
-Spirit, Soul, and Psyche
-Family and Kinship
-Land, Home, Mother

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KaniniFest will include (aside from theatre) youth writing workshops, African drum
and dance workshops, music therapy workshop; Afro Beat Reggae party in the barn, face painting for the kids, an art auction to raise money for the KaniniFest Arts & Culture scholarship, and more. KaniniFest has connected with the Osage Nation and Cherokee Nation, and as a result, Cherokee and Osage artists will be present at the festival to perform their people’s creation story! Candice Byrd is the playwright and her grandmother’s family is from the land that Crystal Bridges and the Momentary reside on.


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                                Created By Actors and Artists, 

             Christopher Alexander Chukwueke and Tenisi Davis

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Under the banner of Moja Productions, the festival is specifically designed for
BIPOC playwrights from all over the nation. KaniniFest aims to provide a world-class platform for undiscovered, underserved, or up-and-coming BIPOC playwrights. “KaniniFest is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to celebrate the vibrant voices of BIPOC playwrights and bring their stories to the forefront,” said Christopher Alexander Chukwueke, co-creator of KaniniFest. “It is an invitation to embrace diversity and foster a sense of unity within our communities.”
Inspired by the thought-provoking Crystal Bridges exhibition, We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy, KaniniFest’s inaugural theme is “We the People!” The theme serves as a powerful platform to amplify the voices and perspectives of all America’s children. KaniniFest promises a transformative experience for all attendees, awakening their consciousness and fostering unity through unfiltered storytelling of BIPOC experiences. “We believe in the power of storytelling to bridge gaps, challenge perceptions, and inspire change. KaniniFest is an opportunity to showcase the rich tapestry of BIPOC narratives and create a lasting impact
on our society,” said Tenisi Davis, co-creator of KaniniFest. The festival showcases five BIPOC playwrights from across the United States and their one-act plays. All directors and actors are from the Northwest Arkansas region. KaniniFest will provide work opportunities to the talented actors in the community and assist in the opening of new doors for future endeavors.
The festival will also partner with local organizations, like TheatreSquared, INTERFORM, The Medium, and the University of Arkansas with special guests Osage Nation and Cherokee Nation Artists.

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KaniniFest is dedicated to amplifying the voices of BIPOC playwrights, providing them with a platform to share their stories with the world. According to "The Count" by the Dramatist Guild of America, only 15.1% of published and working playwrights in America are people of color. The festival's primary goal is to address the under-representation of BIPOC playwrights in the American theater landscape, offering them the recognition and opportunities they deserve. Centered around the theme "We the People!," the festival seeks to explore and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives of America's children. By fostering unfiltered storytelling, KaniniFest aims to bridge cultural gaps, challenge societal perceptions, and inspire unity through the power of narrative. This transformative event is not just a celebration of diversity, but a catalyst for change, ensuring that the rich tapestry of BIPOC narratives is woven into the fabric of American theater.
Moja Productions goal and mission is to curate events and programs that empower artists and foster cultural bridges within communities. Recognizing the ambitious yet vital nature of their goals, Chris and Tenisi established Moja Productions to provide a world-class platform specifically for undiscovered, underserved, or emerging playwrights. Moja Productions aims to encouraging BIPOC individuals to amplify their narratives and engage in collaborative efforts with fellow artists.

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Designed as a platform for today’s art, food, and music, The Momentary is a decommissioned cheese factory-turned-creative-hub, and extension of Crystal Bridges, focused on connecting communities to great experiences. From visual and performing arts, to live music, culinary experiences, artists-in-residence, and more, if it moves the community, The Momentary is on it.

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By purchasing these exclusive perks and supporting the KaniniFest campaign, you are not only investing in a unique cultural event but also playing a crucial role in elevating the voices of BIPOC playwrights and artists. Your contribution goes beyond the festival itself—it directly impacts the future of diverse storytelling and the arts, providing underrepresented talent with the platform they deserve. These perks offer unparalleled access to the creative process, exclusive interactions with artists, and lasting recognition that cements your legacy within the arts community. Each incentive is carefully designed to enrich your experience while making a tangible difference in the lives of emerging artists. By supporting KaniniFest, you are joining a movement that celebrates oneness, fosters understanding, and paves the way for a more inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape.












Rewards

Featured

"Patron of the Arts" Package

Donate $500.00 or more

Amount over $250.00 is tax-deductible.

  • All Previous Rewards: Includes everything in the "Art Lover" package.
  • Two VIP Passes to KaniniFest: Enjoy VIP access to all festival events, including exclusive meet-and-greets with the playwrights and directors.
  • Special Acknowledgment: Be specially recognized during the opening night of the festival, with your name announced as a key supporter.

Special Thanks!

Donate $5.00 or more

Amount over $2.00 is tax-deductible.

Includes a "Thank You" credit with your name on-screen during the end credits at the festival. Along with a digital Thank You with your name listed on the Donor Wall on our website! Leave your EMAIL! 

EXTRA Special Thank You!

Donate $25.00 or more

Amount over $10.00 is tax-deductible.

Includes a "Thank You" credit with your name on-screen during the end of the festival. Along with a digital Thank You with your name listed on the Donor Wall on our website! You'll also receive a digital KANINIFEST badge with your image! This badge can be posted on your social media! Now go brag about your contribution! Leave your EMAIL!

"Supporter of the Arts" Package

Donate $50.00 or more

Amount over $15.00 is tax-deductible.

  • Shoutout on Social Media: Receive a thank you shoutout on KaniniFest’s official social media channels, acknowledging your support.
  • Digital Festival Program: Get a digital copy of the festival program, featuring details about the plays, playwrights, and more.
  • Exclusive Festival Updates: Be the first to receive behind-the-scenes updates and news about the festival.

"Festival Fan" Package

Donate $100.00 or more

Amount over $40.00 is tax-deductible.

  • All Previous Rewards: Includes the "Supporter of the Arts" package.
  • Limited Edition Festival Poster: Receive a beautifully designed, limited edition KaniniFest poster, signed by the founders.
  • Name in Festival Program: Your name will be listed in the official festival program as a supporter.

"Art Lover" Package

Donate $200.00 or more

Amount over $80.00 is tax-deductible.

  • All Previous Rewards: Includes everything in the "Festival Fan" package.
  • Personalized Video Thank You: Receive a personalized video message from the founders, Christopher Alexander Chukwueke and Tenisi Davis, expressing their gratitude.
  • Exclusive Digital Content: Access a collection of digital content, including interviews with the playwrights, rehearsal footage, and more.

"Producer’s Circle" Package.

Donate $1,000.00 or more

Amount over $375.00 is tax-deductible.

  • All Previous Rewards: Includes everything in the "Patron of the Arts" package.
  • Invitation to a Private Rehearsal: Get an insider's look with an invitation to attend a private rehearsal, followed by a Q&A session with the cast and crew.
  • Limited Edition Art Print: Receive a limited edition art print, inspired by the festival’s theme, created by a local BIPOC artist.

"Executive Producer" Package

Donate $2,000.00 or more

Amount over $600.00 is tax-deductible.

  • All Previous Rewards: Includes everything in the "Producer’s Circle" package.
  • Dinner with the Founders: Enjoy a private dinner with Christopher Alexander Chukwueke and Tenisi Davis, along with other key members of the festival team.
  • Personalized Script Reading: Receive a personalized reading of one of the one-act plays from the festival, performed by the cast via a virtual session.
  • Featured Recognition: Your name or company will be featured prominently as a key sponsor on all promotional materials.

"Visionary Sponsor" Package

Donate $5,000.00 or more

Amount over $1,600.00 is tax-deductible.

  • All Previous Rewards: Includes everything in the "Executive Producer" package.
  • Co-Producer Credit: Receive a co-producer credit on the festival’s program and all related materials.
  • Private Viewing Party: Host a private viewing party with a curated selection of the festival’s one-act plays, including a virtual or in-person Q&A with the playwrights and directors.
  • Customized Experience: Work with the festival team to create a customized experience, tailored to your interests, which could include a special tour of the venues, additional VIP perks, or exclusive access to future events.