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Rode Microphones Gives Crystal Bridges Offshoot $1M

2 min read

Rode Microphones of Sydney has given the Momentary, a contemporary arts satellite to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, $1 million, the two organizations announced Friday.

The gift is part of partnership between the two. Apart from the money, Rode will provide the museum with audio equipment to help musicians, sound artists and media teams with live concerts, audio installations, event streaming and podcasts. As part of the collaboration, the museum will name its indoor concert venue the Rode House.

“I first visited this area of the U.S. a little over a year ago, and was struck by the vibrancy and growth of the region,” Rode Founder and President Peter Freedman said in a news release. “Meeting with the Walton family was a genuine highlight. I have always had a keen interest in supporting the arts, both in my business and philanthropic activities, a focus that aligned perfectly with the work of the Walton Family Foundation.

“The success of Crystal Bridges is a testament to their commitment, and the plans for the Momentary are an exciting next step that I am proud to support, bringing a little bit of Australia to Northwest Arkansas!”

Freedman visited the museum this week, along with Joe Hockey, Australia’s ambassador to the U.S., and talked about cultural exchanges between the country and northwest Arkansas.

“Like Northwest Arkansas and the Walton Family, Australia places innovation and creativity at the heart of community life, inspiring the people who call that place home,” Hockey said. “I look forward to what the Momentary offers for years to come.”

Rode Microphones designs and makes microphones and related accessories for studio, live and location use. Its products are designed and primarily manufactured in Sydney and exported to 117 countries.

The Momentary is scheduled to open in 2020.

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