Curatorial Assistant, Artists-in-Residence and Performance

Crystal Bridges - Museum of American Art; Bentonville (AR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas seeks a Curatorial Assistant for Artists-in-Residence and Performance. The role supports curatorial research, residency planning, and program execution across Crystal Bridges and The Momentary, including artist residencies, exhibitions, festivals, talks, and special projects.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong collaboration, independence, and a genuine interest in artist relations and performance, with experience in

Qualifications

• Knowledge of artists-in-residence programs and performance formats.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with diverse partners.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key contact for residency artists and handle invitations through residency completion.
• Coordinate housing, transportation, and on-site needs for residencies in collaboration with internal teams.
• Support the daily operations of residency programs and schedule site visits for teams and visitors.
• Assist in researching and developing content for ongoing projects, artist talks, and performances.
• Prepare notes, program descriptions, wall texts, and internal documentation.
• Support contracts review and coordination of interns and volunteers.
• Maintain project files and documentation and assist with budget monitoring and project management.

Skills

Artist relations

Research

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

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: Curatorial Assistant, Artists-in-Residence and Performance
Reports to: Curator, Artists-in-Residence and Performance
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Location: Bentonville, Arkansas (On-site)
Date Reviewed: 10/26/26

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.

About The Position

The Curatorial Assistant, Artists-in-Residence and Performance is an integral member of the Curatorial team who contributes to the programmatic vision through curatorial and administrative support for Artists-in-Residence and Performance programs. The Curatorial Assistant supports an active team in the research, planning, and implementation of Artists-in-Residence and Performance activities across Crystal Bridges and the Momentary, including but not limited to Artist-in-Residency visitors and programs, exhibitions, festivals, artist talks, and special projects.

Through curatorial research, producing, project coordination, administration, planning, and hosting, the Curatorial Assistant will be in regular communication with artists and their representatives, external contractors, and community partners. This position requires being knowledgeable of programs under the purview of the Artists-in-Residence and Performance programs and supporting connections between idea generation, audience experience, artist relations, and execution.

A strong collaborative spirit, the ability to work independently, and interest in and experience with artist relations and performance are required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Artists-in-Residence and Performance Support

• Serve as a key point of contact for artists connected with residency programs, supporting the process from invitation through residency completion.
• Coordinate arrangements for artist residencies, including housing, transportation, community connections, and in-studio/on-site needs in collaboration with internal teams and departments.
• Implement the daily operations of residency programs.
• Schedule site visits, tours, and studio visits for teams and visitors.
• Support research and content development for ongoing projects and programs of artist residencies, commissions, presentations, and performances.
• Support writing, including program notes, program descriptions, marketing copy, wall texts, content guides for internal use, and catalogue entries.
• Deliver artist-led, public-facing opportunities under the supervision of the Curator.
• Support the design, development, and presentation of internal and external share-outs.
• Support development, maintenance, and monitoring of budgets in collaboration with partnering departments.
• Lead venue tours and brief staff and volunteers on program details.
• Provide organizational support for projects, including scheduling meetings, booking meeting rooms, preparing agendas, and distributing notes focused on next steps.
• Support review and execution of contracts.
• Coordinate Artists-in-Residence and Performance interns and volunteers.
• Support organizing, maintaining, and archiving project files and documentation.
• Support project management activities, working closely with the Curator, internal departments, and outside vendors.
• Support the Curatorial team in the continued growth and improvement of the developing program.

Additional Responsibilities

• Work closely with other members of the Curatorial team, as well as team members in Operations, Guest Experience, Brand Strategy and Communications, Learning & Engagement, and Special Events.
• Perform duties in a consistently professional, approachable, and proactive manner and organize and balance multiple tasks, including administrative tasks that are complex in nature and require considerable discretion and con