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Call for Artists: 2022 Arts and Social Impact Accelerator Program Partnership

ORT bus wrapped in artwork

Are you a socially-minded artist ready to make a difference in your community? Are you passionate about the needs and future of Northwest Arkansas? Are you searching for a paid opportunity to engage the public and spark real relationships?

Then welcome aboard—you’re in the right place.

Where To
Guests painting the side of an ORT bus

Crystal Bridges is looking for a socially engaged artist residing in Northwest Arkansas to join the Arts and Social Impact Accelerator Program (ASAP) partnership with Ozark Regional Transit Authority (ORT) and consulting artist Octavio Logo. ASAP is a multi-year partnership and collaborative incubator between Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a social service agency, and a contracted artist. This program is funded by Crystal Bridges and managed by the Crystal Bridges Community Engagement team.

If you’re interested in this contracted position, please submit a letter of interest that addresses three key points: (1) your past experience in the arts and community building and your knowledge of socially engaged arts practice; (2) Why you’re specifically interested in engaging communities to elevate the need for public transportation in Northwest Arkansas; (3) Why you believe this would be a good fit for you and the partnership’s goals.

Please submit your letter of interest to Community@CrystalBridges.org by February 15, 2022 to be considered for an interview. The letter should be at least one page and no more than 3 pages.

For a more in-depth understanding of this opportunity, we will provide two public info sessions via Zoom on Monday, January 24, 2022 from 12 to 1 p.m., and Tuesday, January 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The sessions will be facilitated by consulting artist Octavio Logo, Crystal Bridges Director of Community Engagement Sara Segerlin, and Ozark Regional Transit Authority staff.
Interviews will be held on Feb. 9, 10, 11, and can be held virtually or in-person. The finalist should be prepared to start on March 1.

Learn more about the ASAP program, the partnership with ORT, and the position.

Requirements for the role

  • Must reside in Northwest Arkansas i.e., one of the following counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington.
  • Must have at least one year of established local community relationships and a history of working with community organizations serving BIPOC, multilingual, and under-resourced communities and individuals in Northwest Arkansas.
  • Must be able to work with all ages and abilities.
  • Is knowledgeable of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Access practices.
  • At least one year of experience as a teaching artist, art educator, creative entrepreneur, and/or community organizer.
  • Is professional, quality-oriented, and possesses good communication skills in both writing and public speaking.

This call for artists is a part of the Arts and Social Impact Accelerator Program (ASAP) at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. ASAP partners with local artists and communities to create arts-based solutions to address social issues in Northwest Arkansas.

Presented in partnership with Ozark Regional Transit, Crystal Bridges, and Octavio Logo. Learn more about our partners.