Sept. 25, 2026
Discussion will explore democracy, leadership, living together in a divided world
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas TV) — As part of its Arkansas Live initiative, Arkansas TV will livestream “Building Bridges: A Conversation with Sec. Condoleezza Rice,” a discussion between Crystal Bridges Board Chair Olivia Walton and 66th United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1:30 p.m., at arkansastv.gov/arkansaslive.
As part of Crystal Bridges’ “Building Bridges” series, Walton and Rice will explore democracy, leadership and what it takes to live well together in a complex and increasingly divided world. Drawing from her experience as a scholar, educator and diplomat, Sec. Rice will reflect on the importance of civic engagement, strong institutions, education and the responsibility each American has to contribute to a healthy democracy.
From January 2005 to January 2009, Rice served as the 66th Secretary of State of the United States, the second woman and first Black woman to hold the post. Rice also served as President George W. Bush’s National Security Advisor from January 2001 to January 2005, the first woman to hold the position. From February 1989 through March 1991, Rice served on President George H. W. Bush’s National Security Council staff.
“Building Bridges” is part of Crystal Bridges’ year-long celebration of America at 250, honoring the American spirit of meeting in the middle with curiosity, courage and care. Hosted by Board Chair Olivia Walton, the series brings together thought leaders, artists and thinkers with differing perspectives to model civic dialogue and the power of meaningful questions.
Arkansas Live is an initiative from Arkansas TV that brings compelling special events directly to Arkansans via vivid, multi-camera livestreaming. Viewers gain front-row access to some of the most in-demand events across the state, including livestreams from Arkansas Community Foundation, Crystal Bridges, Arkansas Department of Heritage, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and more.
About Crystal Bridges
The mission of Crystal Bridges is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 15 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by philanthropist Alice Walton. The museum’s expansive collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions and five miles of trails featuring public art installations from prominent artists.
The museum is nestled on 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned Safdie Architects. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities, and is the home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program. Some 558,375 school children have participated in the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools.
Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails. In February 2020, the museum opened the Momentary in Downtown Bentonville (507 SE E Street), a venue for the music, art, and food of our time. Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public June 6 and 7, 2026, allowing the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.
About Arkansas TV
Arkansas TV, Arkansas’s only statewide public television network, educates, informs and inspires Arkansans of all ages by exploring our state’s people, places and past, while encouraging lifelong learning through local storytelling, educational resources and meaningful community partnerships. Local programs can be livestreamed at arkansastv.gov/live and accessed on demand at youtube.com/@arkansastv. Arkansas TV also offers five broadcast services: Arkansas TV (main channel), Create, PBS KIDS, WORLD and AIRS on SAP. Arkansas TV depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering locally produced, Arkansas-focused programming. Additional information is available at arkansastv.gov. Arkansas TV is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Yancy) and KETS (Gaither).
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