ArtsCrew Program Assistant

Brown University; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Brown University is seeking a part-time ArtsCrew Program Assistant to join the Brown Arts Institute. You will assist in planning, coordinating, and evaluating programs and events, while learning hands-on skills across arts operations, visitor services, and basic production.

Roles include ushering, support for exhibitions, and collaborative event tasks. Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate enthusiasm for arts and culture.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Interest in arts, culture, or entertainment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are valued.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, executing, and evaluating programs and events for Brown Arts Institute.
• Learn hands-on skills in arts operations, including visitor services, basic production, and administrative tasks.
• Support multiple focus areas such as programming, exhibitions, marketing, and production as needed.
• Participate in setting up venues, ushering, and guest services for events.

Skills

Effective Communication

Collaborative Spirit

Arts Operations Understanding

Event Support Roles

Learning Technical Skills

Professional Development in the Arts

Proactive Engagement

Attention to Detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Ticketing software

Job description

Job Description

Established in 2021, Brown Arts Institute (BAI) is a university-wide research enterprise and catalyst for the arts at Brown that creates new work and supports, amplifies, and adds new dimensions to the creative practices of Brown’s arts departments, faculty, students, and community. Through year-round programming, research-focused courses, initiatives, collaborations, and partnerships, along with rigorous artistic and academic programs, BAI commissions and presents new work on campus, across Providence, Rhode Island, and beyond, from students, faculty, and on-campus arts groups, as well as in collaboration with forward-focused visiting artists and other performing arts organizations.

Working within The Lindemann Performing Arts Center, The Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, and The Bell Gallery, the BAI aims to fulfill Brown’s ambitious vision for the arts as an integral presence throughout a liberal arts education. We believe the arts are fundamental to critical inquiry into the most pressing questions facing humanity worldwide. We support artists operating at the highest levels of their craft to inform and be informed by scholars in disciplines across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.ArtsCrew Members are a key component of The BAI’s operations. Members assist in planning, executing, and evaluating programs and events while learning hands‑on skills in several areas of arts work. Members are assigned to a team within the BAI based on their skills and interests, but they may be cross‑trained and fill several roles as assistants throughout the BAI’s operations, including:

• Creative Technologies: 2D/3D printers, equipment, podcasting, recording studio, etc.
• Exhibitions: gallery monitors and tour guides, preparators, public art tour guides, etc.
• Marketing & Communications: content creation, copywriters, graphic designers, photographers,videographers, etc.
• Production: audio, carpentry, lighting, stage management, stagehands, video, etc.
• Programming: administration, artist services, company management, hospitality, etc.
• Visitor Services: house management, box office, tour guides, ushers, etc.
• Other administrative tasks as assigned.

Some roles require a series of paid skills training before filling shifts in one or more focus areas. ArtsCrew offers flexible scheduling, averaging 5-20 hours per week, depending on operational needs and individual availability. Most work occurs in BAI venues; however, there are occasional opportunities for members to work throughout Brown University’s campus as assigned and on projects off-campus with BAI’s partner organizations.

We ask that applicants be willing to serve as ushers for events as needed.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Interest and passion for a career in arts, culture, or entertainment.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Competencies

Please note: Applicants are not expected to meet every competency listed below, as some are specific to certain roles within ArtsCrew. We encourage individuals with a strong interest in learning and contributing to the arts to apply.

• Effective Communication and Collaborative Spirit: Demonstrates clear and respectful communication skills and a strong willingness to collaborate with diverse teams, including artists, staff, and other stakeholders.
• Interest in and Foundational Understanding of Arts Operations: Exhibits a genuine interest in learning about the operational and logistical aspects of live events and/or visual art galleries. Prior familiarity is a plus, but not required.
• Eagerness to Engage in Event Support Roles: Shows enthusiasm for participating in various event support roles, such as visitor services, basic production assistance, or administrative tasks. Previous experience in these areas is valued.
• Aptitude for Learning Technical Skills (Role-Dependent): Displays an aptitude and willingness to learn and utilize relevant technologies and systems, such as ticketing software or basic production equipment. Any existing technical skills are beneficial.
• Commitment to Professional Development in the Arts (Role-Dependent): Demonstrates a commitment to learning about professional standards and best practices in their area(s) of interest within the arts (e.g., stagecraft, gallery operations, customer service).
• Proactive Engagement and Attention to Detail: Exhibits a proactive attitude, a willingness to take initiative, and a commitment to accuracy and attention to detail in assigned tasks.

Employees in Production or Preparator shifts must be able to lift 40 pounds. All positions may require employees to stand for extended periods.

Applicants are asked to include a resumé (not an artist resumé).

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Brown University cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Benefits of Working at Brown

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date

2026-06-11

Job Posting Title

ArtsCrew Program Assistant

Department

Brown Arts Institute

Grade

Ungraded Staff

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Seasonal/Intermittent (Fixed Term) (Seasonal)

Time Type

Part time

Scheduled Weekly Hours

20

Position Work Location

Onsite

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Brown is registered to do business.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [e-mail].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.