What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager, Studio Programs position at Crystal Bridges?
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: Manager, Studio Programs
Position Type: Full Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Division: Learning & Engagement
Department: Public Programs
Reports to: Director of Public Programs
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 new contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary art’s role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action.
Position Summary:
The Manager of Studio Programs leads the planning, development, and execution of engaging studio programs and artmaking experiences across Crystal Bridges & The Momentary (CBMO). This role manages all facets of studio programming, including classes, workshops, artist demonstrations, drop-in artmaking experiences, and CBMO artmaking content, ensuring they are engaging, inclusive, and accessible to all.
With the museum’s planned expansion and the addition of state-of-the-art studio spaces, the Manager will play a key role in expanding studio offerings, including ceramics, drawing, painting, printmaking, fibers, sculpture, new media, and more. In order to be successful in this role and advance the museum’s mission and priorities, the Manager of Studio Programs will embrace innovation, a growth mindset, and a commitment to collaboration. The Manager of Studio Programs will bring a strong understanding of museum audiences, a solid grasp of high-quality artmaking experiences for all ages, and the confidence to integrate ‘out of the box’ engagement strategies into their programming work. At the same time, they will strengthen and expand existing programs that contribute to CBMO’s reputation.
This position reports to the Director of Public Programs, supervises studio educators, and collaborates across museum departments to develop engaging and impactful programming. As a key leader on the Public Programs team, the Manager oversees studio program scheduling, ensures effective program timelines, and works closely with the Director of Public Programs to evaluate program success, drive innovation, and manage budgets and spending.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Develop and lead a portfolio of engaging, high-quality, and innovative studio programs, workshops, and drop-in artmaking experiences for all audiences.
- Oversee and support teaching artists in leading workshops, designing drop-in art activities, and facilitating other studio engagements.
- In collaboration with the Director of Public Programs, design and implement an expansion plan for studio programs in alignment with the museum’s 2026 expansion, incorporating new and inspiring engagement strategies.
- Establish a long-term vision for Studio Programs across Crystal Bridges and The Momentary’ s campus.
- Create content and implement artmaking experiences across CBMO programs, working with internal teams to ensure cohesive and impactful artmaking opportunities throughout the Learning & Engagement division.
- Serve on cross-departmental teams to collaboratively plan engaging, in-gallery artmaking experiences and contribute to broader initiatives.
- Provide clear, accessible, and compelling written content for studio projects, marketing, and public-facing instructions.
- Build relationships with local artists, institutions, and organizations to expand partnerships and strengthen community connections.
- Assist in program marketing and content development in collaboration with the Brand Strategy & Communications team.
- Collaborate with the Strategic Operations team to manage program schedules, budgets, and resources, ensuring seamless operations and alignment with museum priorities.
- Cultivate a collaborative, motivated, and efficient studio team, fostering professional growth and creative development.
- Assess programs for impact, effectiveness, and opportunities for growth and refinement.
- Stay informed on emerging trends in audience engagement, studio practice, and museum education, incorporating forward-thinking approaches into programming.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Practicing artist with formal education in studio arts or art education.
- Strategic thinker with a creative and innovative approach to program development.
- Strong proficiency in two- and three-dimensional media.
- Ability to teach studio-based classes at a beginner to intermediate level.
- Exceptional writing and content development skills.
- Knowledge of visual arts, museum pedagogy, and a willingness to explore connections with nature and architecture.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer service skills.
- Highly organized, adaptable, and able to work independently and within a team environment.
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as many programs take place during these times.
- Sense of humor and a calm demeanor under pressure.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office; willingness to learn museum systems such as Asana, Momentous, and Tableau.
- Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in studio art, art education, art history, museum studies or related field required.
- Minimum three years’ experience developing and leading studio programs in an art museum or similar setting.
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: Regularly, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel independently regionally and in communities served. In the work environment described below, position requires working at a desk and utilizing a computer and a telephone, good eye/hand coordination, bending and stretching, standing and sitting in the ability to move around galleries, the classrooms, and throughout the museum, including travel on the outdoor trails. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job.
- Work environment: Work will be performed in an office environment, museum galleries, art studios, outdoors on the trails, and in communities served. Some evening and weekend hours are required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate
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 on your first day of work.
Crystal 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. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans 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.
