BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Walton Family Foundation announced applications for the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program are open now until Jan. 4, 2024.
The program, which was established in 2015, is for urban and city planning professionals to bring "the highest level of design in the development future buildings and spaces in Benton and Washington counties," the press release says.
Since its creation, the program has funded 17 design projects in Northwest Arkansas, including the Bentonville City Hall Campus, Railyard Park in Rogers, Luther George Park expansion and renovation in Springdale, Memorial Park in Siloam Springs, and many more.
"They range from revitalizing downtown parks to enhancing municipal buildings and elevating performance venues,” Meredith Bergstrom, Walton Family Foundation senior program officer, said. “By partnering with hand-selected design professionals, the program invests in projects that understand what people and communities need from public spaces.”
The Design Excellence Program accepts firms of all sizes, whether they are nationally recognized firms, small specialty firms, or new designers. The applications are selected by a committee of industry experts and foundation representatives.
The program will identify top design professionals to head projects—which are funded by the Walton Family Foundation—that create a sense of belonging in the communities of Northwest Arkansas, according to their website.
If chosen, designers can participate in the program for up to five years or until they are chosen for a project.
“Over the last 25 years, the population in Northwest Arkansas has more than doubled, creating opportunities and challenges in planning and design,” Bergstrom said. “We know that planning is the foundation of good design. By expanding the program to include planning professionals, this program will help Northwest Arkansas become one of the most vibrant and inclusive communities in the nation."
For more information on the application and selection process, visit the Walton Family Foundation's website.
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