Museum Overview:

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is 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.

We are passionate about transforming lives through experiences that encourage the discovery of new ideas, expanded dreams and inspired actions.

As an intern at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, you will be empowered to think creatively, ask questions, and make suggestions to help move the institution forward.

Diversity Internship Program

Crystal Bridges is committed to a diverse workforce and to providing training for the next generation of non-profit professionals. Recognizing the desire and responsibility to support and develop greater diversity in the professions related to museums and the visual arts Crystal Bridges will assertively recruit interns from underrepresented demographics to support our organizations and industrys diversity and inclusion strategic initiatives. Students representing ethnically underrepresented groups in the museum industry are encouraged to apply. This is a paid internship.

Position Summary:

The Museum Interpretation Intern assists the Interpretation Specialists, who work in collaboration with the curatorial and educational teams, in formulating narrative and interpretive strategies.

This internship provides a unique opportunity to learn about and contribute to the research, planning, and implementation of interpretive tools for the Museums exhibitions and art installations. These include items such as brochures, activity guides, rack cards, labels, audio tours, and other digital tools that encourage guest engagement and learning (in the galleries, on the grounds, and in other museum-related spaces).

The goal is to create an impactful and rewarding experience for our museum guests. This internship offers hands-on training in the museum profession and an overview of museum exhibition operations from the early planning stages through implementation.

The ideal candidate is passionate about artistic expression, the arts in general, and has interest and skills in critical thinking, creative writing, and on-line and library research. Applicants must be ready to think creatively in unfamiliar situations and be prepared for hands on experience. A diplomatic and flexible disposition, with the ability to collaborate amongst a diverse group of people, is highly desired.

Areas of Support:

The Interpretation Intern will actively participate and perform duties in some of the following functional areas:

• Assist the Interpretation team in creating interpretive elements for exciting and engaging exhibitions.

  • Artist and art object research (online and in library), summarizing findings

  • Writing and editing copy for various projects, including blogposts

  • Engage in creative brainstorming

• Assist in conducting visitor evaluation and data collection

• Meeting attendance

  • Attend All Staff and Exhibition department meetings

  • Attend project meetings to collaborate with curators, interpretive staff, educators, registrars, preparators and others

  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3^rd or 4^th year Interdisciplinary Humanities student (college level) preferred; can include (but is not limited to) majors/minors such as American Studies, African American Studies, Indigenous Studies, Latin American and Latino Studies, Art History, Studio Art, Cultural Anthropology, Communication, English, History, Journalism/Strategic Media, and Sociology.

• Dependable and punctual

• Minimum of 10 to a maximum of 20 hours per week; a mutually agreeable schedule will be determined in conversation with the Head of Interpretation.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite is required, and familiarity with library and Web-based search tools is strongly preferred.

• A background check is required

• Must maintain confidentiality of all non-public Museum information

• Possible course credit can be negotiated with University departmental supervisor

Please submit a resume, cover letter and a writing sample (2-3 pages) to be considered for this internship. The application deadline is JULY 29, 2022, for the fall semester internship.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern 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 herein, position requires work at a desk and utilizing a computer for prolonged periods of time and excellent eye/hand coordination. Visual acuity to review detailed drawings and written materials is required for this job.

• Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, and in museum spaces. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate. Work may take place in galleries undergoing construction and painting.

• If the interns personal equipment is used, the Museum accepts no liability for any damage caused to said equipment while being used for Museum purposes, nor loss or corruption of electronic files on device.

Crystal Bridges internship program currently requires that the internship be a prearranged and structured learning experience scheduled within a specific time-frame and pre-approved by the leadership of the Museum. The experience must be relevant to the interns academic and/or professional goals and involve work, research, or other activities which are of value and beneficial to the mission of the Museum. An internship is performed under the direct supervision of Crystal Bridges staff. As a Crystal Bridges intern, you will not only expand your academic knowledge and improve your skills, but also apply both your knowledge and skills in practical ways. Crystal Bridges is assertively recruiting interns from underrepresented demographics to support our organizations and industrys diversity and inclusion strategic initiatives. Crystal Bridges is happy to work with the selected candidate to provide an experience meeting the requirements for academic credit through their school.