WE’RE MOVING!

The Fort Smith Symphony is excited to join Arkansas Colleges of Health Education in their effort to fuse arts and culture with health and wellness. Starting in summer 2021, we will move our offices to the Research Institute Health and Wellness Center on Fianna Way.

Find the original press release by the Southwest Times here.

In addition to the updated office spaces in a state-of-the-art renovated facility, FSS wil have the opportunity to work more closely with ACHE and other community arts organizations.

“It has been a challenging year for the arts, and I am grateful for the support from ACHE,” Music Director John Jeter says about the opportunity in SWT’s press release. “We look forward to continuing to provide musical arts to our community.”

Jeter directs rehearsal. December 5, 2020.

“The Fort Smith Symphony has provided top notch entertainment for nearly a century, and are very appreciative of all our supporters,” FSS Board President Bill Hines comments. “We are experiencing an increase in young audience members and families. It is likely that our audience continues to expand as we strengthen our relationship with ACHE and with the young medical students currently enrolled, as well as all those who value high quality entertainment, and are supportive of the arts.”

The two organizations are exploring what this collaboration will look like for seasons to come. Lifetime Symphony Board Member Lavon Morton notes: “John Jeter and the Symphony Board of Directors, past and present, have long believed that there is a connection between exposure to the arts and overall wellness. Working from Symphony offices generously provided by ACHE in the new Research Institute will enhance the ability of the two organizations to collaborate on future wellness initiatives.”

ACHE student volunteers pictured with ACHE President and Symphony musician, Brian Kim, JD. October 17, 2020.

We at the Fort Smith Symphony look forward to continuing our mission of improving the life and enrichment of our community. Since our founding in 1923, the ways we serve Fort Smith has changed, but has always been rooted in artistry and education. Now, we can add health and wellness to our dedications.

“It is my hope that the relationship between ACHE and the Fort Smith Symphony grows stronger and deeper each year,” Hines adds. “ With strong collaborative partnerships, such as with ACHE, the Fort Smith Symphony can grow on its 98 year history, and can envision another rich century of first class classical music for our community. “