2027 Community Programs Summer Intern

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art invites applicants for the 2027 Community Programs Summer Intern role. You will collaborate with the Community Engagement team on hands‑on program creation, outreach, and education across onsite and offsite activities in Northwest Arkansas.

This paid internship offers mentorship, professional development, and real responsibilities—from research and writing to assisting with Mobile Art Lab activations and partner events—traveling regionally up to 50% and

Qualifications

• Interest in community engagement, arts education, or arts administration.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel regionally up to 50%.
• Familiarity with Canva or design tools is a plus.
• Collaborative, proactive with diverse audiences.
• Reliable transportation for off-site travel.

Responsibilities

• Conduct online research on community engagement and socially engaged art programs across the industry.
• Assist with writing special invitation emails and developing surveys for targeted outreach
• Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and creative brainstorms
• Support teaching artists and staff with program facilitation as needed
• Provide administrative and program support across Community Engagement initiatives

Skills

Community engagement

Arts education

Arts administration

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Regional travel

Can-do collaboration

Tools

Canva

Job description

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

Job Title: 2027 Community Programs Summer Intern

Reports to: Community and Engagement Manager

FLSA Classification: Non‑Exempt

Location: Bentonville, Arkansas (On‑site)

Date Reviewed: 10/27/2026

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 spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded by philanthropist Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non‑profit charitable organization with free admission. In June 2026, Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion opened to the public, allowing the museum to expand access for all.

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 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 Community Programs Internship in the Community Engagement Department at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art offers hands‑on experience in community building, socially engaged arts practices, arts administration, and program production for diverse audiences. This internship supports both museum‑based and off‑site initiatives, including the Mobile Art Lab that travels to libraries, Out‑of‑School programs, and cultural festivals throughout Northwest Arkansas. The intern will work closely with the Community Engagement team, report as program staff, participate in team meetings and ideation sessions. There will be professional development opportunities alongside Interns from other departments. Responsibilities will include a mix of administrative tasks, art program production, teaching support, and outreach efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Community Programs Intern will support the following areas:

Administrative, Research, and Writing

• Conduct online research on community engagement and socially engaged art programs across the industry.
• Assist with writing special invitation emails and developing surveys for targeted outreach
• Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and creative brainstorms
• Support teaching artists and staff with program facilitation as needed
• Provide administrative and program support across Community Engagement initiatives

Program Support (Onsite & Offsite)

• Support Mobile Art Lab activations and outreach events
• Assist in the setup, facilitation, and breakdown of programs across Northwest Arkansas (ability to travel and meet staff offsite required)
• Assist with onsite community partner‑focused programs and events, including logistical coordination and participant engagement
• Provide support for accessibility and audience outreach, ensuring materials and setup align with inclusive practices
• Design activity sheets and visual materials using platforms such as Canva
• Support development of educational and engagement materials for diverse audiences

Qualifications

• Interest in community engagement, arts education, or arts administration
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to travel regionally up to 50% of the time
• Familiarity with design tools such as Canva is a plus
• Collaborative, proactive, and eager to engage with diverse audiences and community groups
• Reliable transportation required for travel to off‑site programs

Timeline

• Anticipated Start Date: May 31, 2027
• Anticipated End Date: July 23, 2027

Schedule

• Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor

Compensation

• High School Interns: $12.00
• Undergraduate Students: $13.00
• Graduate Students: $14.00

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• At least one letter of recommendation; please submit a maximum of two.

Cover Letter Questions

• Question 1: The Mobile Art Lab travels to various community locations. How comfortable are you with facilitating programs in different settings, and what strategies would you use to engage participants?
• Question 2: What interests you most about community engagement or/and socially engaged arts practices?
• Question 3: Accessibility is an important part of this internship. How would you approach making artmaking more inclusive?

Housing

Housing for internship positions is contingent upon the availability of funding and is not guaranteed. Internships that include housing will explicitly state this in both the position title and the position description. Any housing and/or relocation assistance provided is considered taxable income and will be reported on the intern’s Form W‑2. When housing is available, only students whose primary residence is more than 150 miles or three hours from either Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art or the Momentary will be considered.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical Demands: In the work environment described, the position requires utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time and good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, and physical stamina to lift and transport a minimum of 10 pounds. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.

Work Environment: Work is performed on‑site (Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m.‑5 p.m.) in a professional, climate‑controlled office environment within a museum setting with standard office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones. This role requires working in an open setting near colleagues. The noise level is typically low to moderate. The role also requires regular interaction with both the public and internal team members in a professional and courteous manner. Some local travel will be required, and a flexible schedule may be necessary to accommodate business needs, including occasional evening and weekend work hours.

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.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants 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.