Curatorial Assistant, Craft

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: Position Title: Curatorial Assistant, Craft Position Type: Full-time FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt Department: Curatorial Reports to: Windgate Curator of Craft Date Reviewed: 09/19/2025 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 heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission. The Momentary is a contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. 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. You belong here: make the most of this moment. Position Summary: The Curatorial Assistant plays a key role in the museum’s program to champion craft as a vital part of American art. Reporting directly to the Windgate Curator of Craft, you'll contribute directly to exhibitions, acquisitions, artist-driven projects, community engagement, and publications that position Crystal Bridges at a leader in the field. As the Curatorial Assistant, you will help bring innovative projects to life, providing essential curatorial and administrative support for craft initiatives within the museum and beyond. The Curatorial Assistant must be a team player and be able to balance multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, manage project development and planning, and liaise with internal and external collaborators and colleagues. Principal Responsibilities: Research & Content Development: Contribute to diverse curatorial functions, such as conducting object research, fact-checking information, assisting with grant applications, writing object-related content, and preparing presentations for internal and external audiences. Assist with research and content development for a range of exhibitions, including focus shows and large temporary exhibitions. Support the museum’s efforts in reaching our audiences and the broader field, helping expand awareness of the role of craft in the history of American art. Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the Windgate Curator of Craft by organizing and tracking projects, scheduling meetings, responding to internal and external queries via email and phone, and maintaining accurate records in collaboration with other departments. Coordinate and liaise with internal teams, artists, and external collaborators, fostering relationships that advance the museum’s craft programming. Engage in project planning and development, ensuring deadlines and project goals are met. Budget & Reporting Support: Assist in the preparation, monitoring, and reporting of the Windgate Curator of Craft’s budget. Acquisitions Research: Conduct research on potential acquisitions and prepare acquisition proposals to help expand the museum’s diverse holdings related to American craft. Donor Stewardship: Support donor cultivation and stewardship by managing communications, facilitating visits, and fostering strong relationships with key supporters and stakeholders. Publications Support: Assist with the preparation of museum publications by sourcing images, securing copyright permissions, conducting research, preparing backmatter, and mailing catalogues to photo and object lenders. Additional Responsibilities: Respond to art offers and assist with letters and e-mail correspondence. Coordinate and mentor interns working with the Windgate Curator of Craft. Perform additional duties as assigned. Qualifications and Skills: B.A. in art history or related discipline A strong interest in American craft, historical to contemporary 1-2 years of experience in a museum, cultural organization, or gallery setting; curatorial work preferred Demonstrated skill in organization and rigorous attention to detail Ability to meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously Ability to work independently and as a team member Excellent written and verbal communication skills Exemplary research and writing skills Understanding and experience in budget maintenance 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; ability to train on effective use of additional software and databases as needed (e.g. Tessitura, Asana, TMS) Ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish a plus Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands: In the work environment described below, position requires utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time, bending and stretching for filing, standing and sitting with the ability to move around galleries, the classrooms, and throughout the museum. The position requires verbal and written conversation with others. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job. Work Environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, museum spaces, and in communities served. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Position may require some independent overnight travel. Occasionally the work schedule may include evenings and weekends. 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 builds on foundational sciences and clinical practices with a compassionate, inclusive, and whole-person approach to care. Pending accreditation, the school will welcome 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. To view positions open for a specific entity, select company and sort by entity name.