2026 Curatorial Fall Intern at Alice L.… · Bentonvil…

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Job Description:

Intern Position Title: Curatorial Intern, Fall 2026 (U of A MA student)

Division: Curatorial/Art Management

Department: Curatorial

Intern Supervisor: Windgate Curator of Craft

Date Reviewed: 6/30/2026

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where the community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. You belong here, make the most of this moment.

Position Summary:

The Curatorial Intern position is open to current students in the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville MA in Art History of Arts of the Americas Program. Reporting directly to the Windgate Curator of Craft, you'll support a variety of projects, including exhibition development, object research, interpretive writing (such as object labels), and initiatives related to the range of the museum’s craft collection, from historic to contemporary.

As a Curatorial Intern, you will help bring innovative projects to life, providing essential support for craft initiatives within the museum and beyond. By contributing directly to ongoing projects, you will expand upon your academic training and work to apply your knowledge and skills professionally.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Intern projects may include:

• Collection Research: Build object files for collection objects including works in ceramics, wood, fiber, glass, and metal. Fact-check information, write object-related content, and prepare presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Acquisitions Research: Conduct research on potential acquisitions to support the growth of the museum’s diverse holdings in American craft
• Exhibition Development: Research, interpretation, and checklist organization for future exhibition projects, whose focus may include contemporary fiber art

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in University of Arkansas, Fayetteville MA program in Art History
• Interest in American craft, historical to contemporary
• Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Demonstrated research and writing skills
• Positive attitude and collaborative spirit
• Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality and discretion
• Proficiency in using standard office equipment including copiers and telephone, as well as Microsoft 365 applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams

Timeline:

• Anticipated Start Date: Week of September 21, 2026
• Anticipated End Date: Week of December 12, 2026

Schedule:

• UofA Graduate Interns: up to 25 hours per week
• Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor

Required Documents: Applicants who wish to be considered for this internship position must adhere to the stated application requirements. A complete application must include both a cover letter and a resume.

• Cover Letter Questions
  • How does this internship connect with your academic interests, professional experience, or future career goals?
  • What interests you about American craft, and what would you be excited to explore further through this internship?
  • What skill or experience related to curatorial work would you most like to build through this internship?
• Resume

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires work at a desk, utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching for filing, and physical stamina to lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a height of at least three feet for file and materials storage as appropriate for the demands of the office. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.

• Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment and museum spaces. The noise level in the museum work environment is usually low to moderate.

If the intern’s personal equipment is used, the museum accepts no liability for any damage caused to said equipment while being used for museum purposes, nor loss or corruption of electronic files on devices.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States on your first day of work.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.