2027 Curatorial Spring Intern (U of A MA Student)

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

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas invites current University of Arkansas MA students in Art History to apply for the 2027 Curatorial Spring Intern.

Reporting directly to the Windgate Curator of Craft, you will support exhibition development, object research, interpretive writing, and craft-focused initiatives across historic to contemporary works. On-site schedule with a flexible 10–20 hour workweek.

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.
• Demonstrated research and writing skills.
• Positive attitude and collaborative spirit.
• Confidentiality and discretion in handling information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

Responsibilities

• Collection Research: build object files and prepare presentations.
• Acquisitions Research: study potential additions to the collection.
• Exhibition Development: research and organize checklists for future projects.

Skills

Microsoft 365

Research skills

Writing skills

Deadline-driven

Education

MA in Art History (UA Fayetteville)

Tools

Copiers

Telephone

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 Curatorial Spring Intern (U of A MA Student)

Reports to: Windgate Curator of Craft

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Location: Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site)

Date Reviewed: 06/30/2026

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 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 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.

Essential 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 and Requirements

• 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: January 25, 2027
• Anticipated End Date: April 30, 2027
• Inclement Weather Dates: February 1, 2027-April 30, 2027

Schedule:

• U of A Graduate Interns: minimum of 10 hours per week but not more than 20 hours per week
• Weekly schedule to be arranged with direct supervisor

To qualify for bachelor’s or master’s hours, you must be enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from an accredited program within the past three years. Students are required to submit a current schedule or an official transcript.

Compensation:

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

To qualify for bachelor’s or master’s compensation, applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited program or have graduated from one within the past three years. A current class schedule or official transcript must be submitted for verification.

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

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.