Job Description:
Established in 2021, the 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 and the larger arts and culture ecosystem throughout Brown University and Rhode Island at large. ArtsCrew Overhire Specialists contribute their specialized skills to the planning, execution, and evaluation of programs and events at Brown. Overhire Specialists may also lead small teams, manage specific projects based on their expertise and operational needs, and train other ArtsCrew members in basic skills.
Members will be assigned to a team within the BAI based on their demonstrated skills and expertise in specific areas, including:
● Creative Technologies: 2D/3D printers, equipment, podcasting, recording studio, etc.
● Exhibitions: preparators, etc.
● Marketing & Communications: copywriters, graphic designers, photographers, videographers, etc.
● Production: audio, carpentry, lighting, stage management, stagehands, video, etc.
● Programming: administration, artist services, company management, etc.
● Visitor Services: house management, box office, 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 Overhire Specialists are on-call for project-specific work, offering flexible scheduling, 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.
Qualifications Education and Experience:
● A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant arts or related discipline, or equivalent professional training/certifications.
● A minimum of 4 years of directly applicable professional experience. ● We will also consider candidates with an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Competencies:
Please note: While applicants are not expected to possess every single competency listed below, candidates should demonstrate proficiency in a number of specified areas:
● Effective Communication and Collaborative Skills: Consistently demonstrates clear, professional, and respectful communication and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams, including artists, staff, and external partners.
● Applied Knowledge of Arts Operations and Logistics: Possesses a practical and demonstrated understanding of the operational and logistical requirements within live event production or gallery spaces.
● Proven Experience in Specific Arts Support Roles: Has substantive prior experience in one or more relevant support roles, such as house management, box office operations, technical production, exhibition preparation, or arts administration.
○ Creative Technologies: Operation and maintenance of digital media equipment (e.g., 2D/3D printers, recording studio, podcasting tools).
○ Exhibitions: Preparator tasks including art handling, installation, de-installation, and basic fabrication.
○ Marketing & Communications: Content creation (copywriting, graphic design, photography, videography) for arts-focused outreach.
○ Production: Expertise in audio, lighting, carpentry, stage management, or video for live performances.
○ Programming: Administration, artist services, or company management within an arts presenting or producing context.
○ Visitor Services: House management, box office operations, or advanced crowd management for events over 200 patrons.
● Proficiency with Relevant Technologies and Systems (Role-Specific): Demonstrates competence in utilizing industry-standard technologies and systems pertinent to their area of expertise (e.g., ticketing software, specific audio/lighting consoles, graphic design tools, gallery installation equipment).
● Adherence to Professional Standards and Best Practices: Consistently applies professional standards and best practices within their area(s) of specialization in the arts (e.g., stagecraft, gallery operations, visitor services, content creation).
● Proactive Problem-Solving and Attention to Detail: Takes initiative in identifying and resolving issues, works independently with minimal supervision, and demonstrates a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail in all 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 job resume (not an artist resume) and a cover letter. Applicants for Marketing & Communication roles will be asked to present a portfolio of relevant work.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. Brown University cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Benefits of Working at Brown:
Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here.
Recruiting Start Date:
2025-11-10Job Posting Title:
ArtsCrew MemberDepartment:
Brown Arts InstituteGrade:
Grade 7Worker Type:
EmployeeWorker Sub-Type:
Seasonal/Intermittent (Fixed Term) (Seasonal)Time Type:
Part timeScheduled Weekly Hours:
12Position Work Location:
Onsite
Submission Guidelines:
Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Still Have Questions?
If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.
EEO Statement:
Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.