Artscrew Program Assistant

Established in 2021, Brown Arts Institute (BAI) is a university-wide research enterprise and catalyst for the arts at Brown that creates new work and supports, amplifies, and adds new dimensions to the creative practices of Brown’s arts departments, faculty, students, and community. Through year-round programming,  research-focused courses, initiatives, collaborations, and partnerships, along with rigorous artistic and academic programs, BAI commissions and presents new work on campus, across Providence, Rhode Island, and beyond, from students, faculty, and on-campus arts groups, as well as in collaboration with forward-focused visiting artists and other performing arts organizations. 

Working within The Lindemann Performing Arts Center, The Granoff Center for the Creative Arts, and The Bell Gallery, the BAI aims to fulfill Brown’s ambitious vision for the arts as an integral presence throughout a liberal arts education. We believe the arts are fundamental to critical inquiry into the most pressing questions facing humanity worldwide. We support artists operating at the highest levels of their craft to inform and be informed by scholars in disciplines across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. ArtsCrew Members are a key component of The BAI’s operations. Members assist in planning, executing, and evaluating programs and events while learning hands-on skills in several areas of arts work. Members are assigned to a team within the BAI based on their skills and interests, but they may be cross-trained and fill several roles as assistants throughout the BAI’s operations, including:

● Creative Technologies: 2D/3D printers, equipment, podcasting, recording studio, etc. 

● Exhibitions: gallery monitors and tour guides, preparators, public art tour guides, etc. 

● Marketing & Communications: content creation, copywriters, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, etc. 

● Production: audio, carpentry, lighting, stage management, stagehands, video, etc. 

● Programming: administration, artist services, company management, hospitality, etc. 

● Visitor Services: house management, box office, tour guides, ushers, etc. 

● Other administrative tasks as assigned. 

Some roles require a series of paid skills training before filling shifts in one or more focus areas. ArtsCrew offers flexible scheduling, averaging 5-20 hours per week, depending on operational needs and individual availability. Most work occurs in BAI venues; however, there are occasional opportunities for members to work throughout Brown University’s campus as assigned and on projects off-campus with BAI’s partner organizations. 

We ask that applicants be willing to serve as ushers for events as needed.

Qualifications 

Education and Experience: 

● Interest and passion for a career in arts, culture, or entertainment. 

● A high school diploma or equivalent is required. 

Competencies: 

Please note: Applicants are not expected to meet every competency listed below, as some are specific to certain roles within ArtsCrew. We encourage individuals with a strong interest in learning and contributing to the arts to apply. 

● Effective Communication and Collaborative Spirit: Demonstrates clear and respectful communication skills and a strong willingness to collaborate with diverse teams, including artists, staff, and other stakeholders. 

● Interest in and Foundational Understanding of Arts Operations: Exhibits a genuine interest in learning about the operational and logistical aspects of live events and/or visual art galleries. Prior familiarity is a plus, but not required. 

● Eagerness to Engage in Event Support Roles: Shows enthusiasm for participating in various event support roles, such as visitor services, basic production assistance, or administrative tasks. Previous experience in these areas is valued. 

● Aptitude for Learning Technical Skills  (Role-Dependent): Displays an aptitude and willingness to learn and utilize relevant technologies and systems, such as ticketing software or basic production equipment. Any existing technical skills are beneficial. 

● Commitment to Professional Development in the Arts (Role-Dependent): Demonstrates a commitment to learning about professional standards and best practices in their area(s) of interest within the arts (e.g., stagecraft, gallery operations, customer service). 

● Proactive Engagement and Attention to Detail: Exhibits a proactive attitude, a willingness to take initiative, and a commitment to accuracy and attention to detail in assigned tasks. 

Employees in Production or Preparator shifts must be able to lift 40 pounds. All positions may require employees to stand for extended periods. 

Applicants are asked to include a resumé (not an artist resumé).

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Brown University cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.