2027 Community Programs Summer Intern

CB700 Crystal Bridges - Museum of American Art, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is seeking a 2027 Community Programs Summer Intern to join the Community Engagement team in Bentonville, AR. The role offers hands-on experience in community building, arts administration, and program production for diverse audiences.

The internship includes travel up to 50% and collaboration with teaching artists and staff. Compensation ranges from $12.00 to $14.00 per hour, with start and end dates from May 31, 2027 to July 23, 2027.

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.
• Collaborative, proactive, and eager to engage with diverse audiences and community groups.
• Reliable transportation required for travel to off-site programs.

Responsibilities

• Administrative, Research, and Writing: conduct online research on community engagement and socially engaged art programs.
• Program Support (Onsite & Offsite): assist with Mobile Art Lab activations and outreach events.
• Event logistics: assist in setup, facilitation, and breakdown of programs across Northwest Arkansas.
• Materials development: design activity sheets and visual materials using Canva; support development of educational resources.

Tools

Canva

Job description

Mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

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

• 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

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.

Art and Wellness Enterprises (AWE) provides professional support services in the areas of campus management, communications, finance, human resources and technology for these non‑profits founded by Alice Walton: Alice L. Walton Foundation is a grant‑making institution working to enhance the quality of life for individuals by providing access to offerings that improve well‑being and create diverse and inclusive communities. Alice L. Walton School of Medicine is a four‑year, medical degree‑granting program that enhances foundational sciences and clinical practices with a compassionate and whole‑person approach to care. The School has been granted preliminary accreditation status by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and welcomed its inaugural class in 2025. Art Bridges Foundation works to get great works of American art out of storage and into communities. Through partnerships with museums of all sizes across the United States, it creates and supports arts programs that educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local audiences. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a museum offering free admission to a world‑class collection of American art, stunning architecture and five miles of sculpture and walking trails. Momentary is a satellite contemporary art space to Crystal Bridges. This adaptive reuse project turned a decommissioned cheese factory into a place for visual and performing arts, festivals, artists‑in‑residence, culinary experiences, and more. Heartland Whole Health Institute is a non‑profit that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and social well‑being by working with health systems, employers, and communities to redesign health care delivery. Bentonville Institute of Technology is a non‑profit, business‑infused university in Bentonville, supported by the Walton family. Built from the ground up, it integrates AI across curriculum, research, and operations while embedding industry and experiential learning throughout the student experience. It aims to be a national model for STEM education in the age of AI.