ACANSA exists as a visual and performing arts festival dedicated to building a more dynamic and engaging community through the arts and enriching the cultural vitality of the region. By fostering creative collaborations among artists, patrons, businesses, and community institutions, we facilitate the creation and presentation of more compelling art that encourages public dialogue, economic innovation, exposes people to a wider array of artistic experiences, and makes our community a stronger and more vibrant place to live.
Many people ask where the name ACANSA comes from. The word "Arkansas" is a Siouan Indian word. It has had several spellings over the centuries, including ACANSA, which was the name of a major Quapaw village in southeastern Arkansas. Many people believe that ACANSA meant "downstream people," but that isn't true – Quapaw, the tribe's own name for themselves, means "downstream people." ACANSA probably came from the Quapaw word meaning "southern place." Their non-native neighbors frequently referred to the Quapaw as the ACANSA, Arkansas, or Alkansea Indians because of this town.
Our History
Inspired by a 2012 visit to Spoleto Arts Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, ACANSA's Founder, Charlotte Gadberry approached the Mayors of Little Rock, North Little Rock and leaders of our arts communities about collaborating to make ACANSA Arts Festival a reality for Central Arkansas and they enthusiastically agreed. A grass-roots movement ensued with hundreds of volunteers working together in numerous roles to bring this annual festival to Arkansas. The inaugural festival took place September 23-28, 2014. ACANSA continues to develop year after year and is working to establish Arkansas as the next great arts and culture destination in the U.S.
