By: Sydney Tyler
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – The Dickson Street Art Court is a free space open to the public that combines art, recreation and leisure activity. The Art Court project has been in the works since August 2020 and opened August 2022.
The Tyson Family Foundation and Experience Fayetteville partnered together to support downtown Fayetteville and the diverse and evolving communities and create an experiential, urban basketball court that led with art.
The space includes geometric designs created by artists at BLKBOX, an NWA design agency. The design agency was inspired by karesansui, traditional Japanese dry gardens and Art Deco theater marquees.
Molly Rawn, CEO of Experience Fayetteville has described the court as a success this far.
“It has been so well received for the people to have a place to go and they can gather in a real informal way with their friends and just have a good time.”
Rawn also says the project has connected downtown Fayetteville and Dickson Street to the University of Arkansas campus and their students.
In addition to the Fayetteville community using the court, the University of Arkansas men’s and women’s basketball teams have utilized the space as well as they prepare for their seasons.
The court features three hoops, including two for full court play, and a third for the possibility of three simultaneous half-court games.
The court is located at 227 W. Dickson St. is open from 9:00am to 7:00pm but hours are subject to change. The court is free to use but if you are looking to work on your jumpshot you will need to bring your own ball.