Crystal Bridges and the Momentary Announce New Deputy Director, Curatorial Affairs
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BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary announced the promotion of current Chief Curator Austen Barron Bailly to deputy director, curatorial affairs. In her new role, Bailly will continue to support the institution as it expands access to all through a complete gallery transformation and substantial expansion set to open June 6 and 7, 2026.
Since 2019 in her role as chief curator, Bailly has provided strategic vision and executive leadership for all art functions of the museum including acquisitions, collection development and care, exhibitions and installations, interpretation, publications, and partnerships. In her new role as deputy director, curatorial affairs, Bailly will continue to guide curatorial strategy while expanding her leadership across departments, including oversight of the Crystal Bridges Library and Archives and research and scholarship programs. She will help shape and implement the museum’s strategic objectives, mentor cross-functional leaders, and foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
“It is an honor to step into this expanded role at such a transformative moment for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary, as we are preparing to unveil our complete collection reinstallation and major expansion opening this year,” said Bailly. “I’m energized by this new leadership position and our talented teams and by the opportunities to extend our curatorial vision, cultivate meaningful connection and learning, and ensure that art remains accessible, relevant, and inspiring for all.”
“Since joining us in 2019, Austen has brought exceptional vision, scholarship, and collaborative leadership to the museum,” said Rod Bigelow, executive director of Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. “As chief curator, she has led with distinction, overseeing acquisitions, exhibitions, installations, collection, important partnerships, and publications. We look forward to Austen taking on this new role and know her deep commitment to American art and community will help shape Crystal Bridges and the Momentary’s impact regionally and nationally.”
Bailly’s curatorial career spans more than 25 years at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Peabody Essex Museum. She has curated, authored and edited many American art exhibitions and publications including the award-winning American Epics: Thomas Hart Benton and Hollywood and Jacob Lawrence: The American Struggle.
Crystal Bridges has launched a nationwide search for its next chief curator. During this transition, Bailly will continue to serve as chief curator while also assuming the responsibilities of her new role.
About the Momentary
Opened in February of 2020 in Downtown Bentonville, the Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time; and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is ‘a living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful. The Momentary was founded by the Walton family, based on the vision of Tom, Olivia, and Steuart Walton. Its commitment to cultivating arts and cultural experiences provides more opportunities for education, engagement, and enjoyment in our region. The Momentary is an extension of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Alice Walton. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Additional offerings include live music, visual and performing arts, an artist-in-residence program, culinary experiences such as Onyx Coffee Lab and the sky-high Tower Bar, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, an outdoor festival space, and a retail shop. For more information, visit theMomentary.org. The Momentary is located at 507 SE E Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. The Momentary’s Founding Funders are Walton Family Foundation, Walmart, RØDE Microphones, The Coca-Cola Company, Tyson Family Foundation, and Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation.
About Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
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. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 15 million visitors across its spaces, with no cost for admission. Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 as a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization by philanthropist Alice Walton. The collection spans five centuries of American masterworks from early American to current day and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions.
The museum is nestled on 134 acres of Ozark landscape and was designed by the world-renowned Safdie Architects. A rare Frank Lloyd Wright-designed house was preserved and relocated to the museum grounds in 2015. Crystal Bridges offers public programs including lectures, performances, classes, and teacher development opportunities, and is the home of the prestigious Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art and Tyson Scholars of American Art Program. Some 558,375 school children have participated in the Willard and Pat Walker School Visit program, which provides educational experiences for school groups at no cost to the schools.
Additional museum amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and five miles of art and walking trails. In February 2020, the museum opened the Momentary in Downtown Bentonville (507 SE E Street), a venue for the music, art, and food of our time. Crystal Bridges’ 114,000 square foot expansion will open to the public June 6 and 7, 2026, allowing the museum to expand access for all. For more information, visit CrystalBridges.org. The museum is located at 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.