Unlock Your Potential: The Art Bridges Internship Program

Are you a student eager to gain real-world experience in the vibrant world of American art? The Art Bridges Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a dynamic museum environment, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop valuable skills for your future career. This program is designed for both undergraduate and graduate students, providing practical experience through a three-cohort internship model during the spring, summer, and fall.

A Transformative Experience

The Art Bridges Internship Program isn't just about fetching coffee and making copies. It's a transformative experience designed to empower the next generation of museum professionals. As one past intern put it, "My time here has been nothing short of transformative." The program provides a supportive and welcoming workplace culture where interns are encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance, and explore their career paths. Whether you have a clear vision for your future or are still discovering your passions, the Art Bridges Internship Program offers a platform for growth and exploration.

Program Overview

Art Bridges offers internships in the spring, summer, and fall, accommodating various academic schedules. The program is structured around a three-cohort model, allowing interns to learn from each other and build a strong network. Interns will be considered temporary employees and responsible for all state and federal withholdings from all earnings and payments.

Summer Internship Details

The summer internship is an intensive eight-week session, typically running from early June to late July. In 2023, the dates were June 5-July 28, with a commitment of 35 hours per week. Art Bridges provides travel to and from Bentonville, Arkansas, and housing for the duration of the internship. Residential positions are offered exclusively during the summer and are contingent upon available funding. Selected interns who reside at least one hour from Crystal Bridges or the Momentary will receive housing and relocation assistance.

Spring and Fall Internship Details

SPRING 2026 Internships require a commitment of 8-10 hours per week. Exact work schedules follow the academic calendar and can be flexible to accommodate class needs. Schedules will be set with supervisors at the beginning of each semester. Penn State graduate students and upper-level undergraduates contribute to research, interpretation, exhibition planning, project management, and collections care in addition to completing regular department assignments.

Read also: Inside the James Bridges Theater

Who Should Apply?

Art Bridges encourages applications from students from all regions across the United States and is particularly committed to fostering a diverse workforce. The program actively seeks students from historically underrepresented groups. The emerging workforce, particularly high school students throughout the Northwest Arkansas area, make EXCELLENT interns and contributors to all of our hosting intern departments and are encouraged to apply!

What You'll Learn

Training, duties, and learning opportunities for interns vary by department, ensuring a tailored experience based on your interests and skills. However, all interns can expect to develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, research, communications, writing, and building interpersonal relationships. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, providing opportunities to apply your knowledge and contribute to real-world projects. Applicants must be prepared for a hands-on learning experience.

Desired Qualities

Preferred candidates possess intellectual curiosity, flexibility, and openness to give and receive feedback. A strong interest in American art, community engagement, social justice, and diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion (DEAI) is highly valued. "I was surprised to see how positive and welcoming the workplace culture is."

Art Bridges' Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI)

At Art Bridges, diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are not just buzzwords; they are central to all work and decisions within the organization. Crystal Bridges is committed to creating an institution that reflects the diversity of our region and nation. We are especially mindful of those in our community impacted by inequity due to ability, language, class, age, gender, religion, sexuality, race and ethnicity, and are working diligently to address perceived and real barriers that keep anyone from fully experiencing the museum as a guest, volunteer, or employee. To achieve true reform, we must have a diverse, highly qualified team.

Art Bridges is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

Read also: College Career of Jalen Bridges

The Vision Behind Art Bridges

Art Bridges is the vision of philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton. The mission of Art Bridges is to expand access to American art in all regions across the United States. Since 2017, Art Bridges has been creating and supporting programs that bring outstanding works of American art out of storage and into communities. Art Bridges partners with a growing network of over 215 museums of all sizes and locations to provide financial and strategic support for exhibition development, loans from the Art Bridges collection, and programs designed to educate, inspire, and deepen engagement with local audiences.

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

In accordance with our duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, and to do our part in safeguarding the health of our co-workers and their families as well as the community at large from COVID-19 that will be reduced by vaccination, we are requiring all Art Bridges staff and interns to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their start date as a condition of employment. We strongly hope this policy decision will help to change the current landscape of infection rates in our community by creating a sense of urgency and proactivity. Our desire is to continue to fulfill our vision of transforming lives through Art Bridges mission.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an intern to successfully perform the essential functions of this opportunity.

Is a Palmer Internship Right for You?

If you are a student who is interested in gaining professional experience and enhancing your skills while learning and contributing to museum exhibitions, collection research, programs, and communications, a Palmer internship might be for you.

How to Apply

Applicants from all regions across the United States are encouraged to apply. While specific application deadlines and procedures may vary, interested students should visit the Art Bridges website or contact the program coordinator for the most up-to-date information. Be prepared to submit a resume, cover letter, and any other required materials that showcase your qualifications and passion for American art.

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