The University of Arkansas will establish a School of Art in Fayetteville using a $120 million gift from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation, according to a press release today from the university.
The money will provide financial support for students, regional outreach and public service through partnerships with Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and expanded degree programs in art history, art education and graphic design.
A strong emphasis will be placed on American art and art of the Americas, which complements the mission of the museum the Walton family built in Bentonville.
The donation also will be used to renovate the Fine Arts Center designed by Edward Durrell Stone and expand the Fine Arts Library.
The school will be housed within the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.
A press conference is being planned for this afternoon on campus.
NW News on 08/23/2017