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:

-Land, Home, Mother

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.

                         
                                                 

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.

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.

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.

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.