One of the Region’s Only Programs Offering Funding and Space to Take Creative Risks — $411K Awarded Since 2022
SPRINGDALE, AR — The Medium is pleased to announce the 2025/2026 cohort of their Creative Exchange Fund (CXF), a group of 37 groundbreaking artists and cultural producers who will bring transformative work to the heart of Northwest Arkansas in downtown Springdale.
With support from the Tyson Family Foundation, CXF projects receive funding, free use of The Medium’s creative spaces, documentation of their programs, and technical and promotional assistance from staff. Since launching in 2022, the Creative Exchange Fund has awarded $411,500 to 128 people and helped bring more than 90 creative programs to life at The Medium, establishing Downtown Springdale’s Arts District as one of the most vibrant and promising creative spaces in Northwest Arkansas.
Now in its third year, the Creative Exchange Fund plays a critical role in sustaining and advancing the region’s creative landscape. With expanded funding, increased accessibility, and enhanced support across all five of its funding categories, CXF continues to spark new creative projects, connections, and ideas in the Downtown Springdale Arts District.
“The Creative Exchange Fund is one of the most impactful programs we offer at The Medium, not just because of the work it funds, but because of the brilliant people it brings into our space,” said Amber Perrodin, Artist & Community Manager at The Medium. “These 37 artists and cultural leaders represent some of the most urgent, vibrant, and community-rooted creative work happening right here in our region and we’re so excited to host them here at The Medium.”
One of this year’s recipients, Lena Regina Smith, shared how the program is already making an impact on her practice.
“The Creative Exchange Fund has given me the space, encouragement, and support to dream even bigger,” said 25/26 CXF recipient Lena Regina Smith. “As an artist navigating a rare, progressive eye disease, being welcomed into a community that values inclusion and imagination is deeply meaningful. This opportunity is helping me turn challenges into creative power.”
This year’s projects will begin in the fall of 2025 and continue through the summer of 2026.
For more details on the Creative Exchange Fund, including an archive of past artists, project descriptions and upcoming public events, visit https://themedium.art/cxf.