BENTONVILLE, ARK.- Paul R. Provost, Ph.D. has been selected as chief executive officer (CEO) of Art Bridges Foundation. He will begin his tenure on Aug. 5.

Art Bridges is a pioneering new foundation dedicated to dramatically expanding access to American art across the country. Founded by patron of the arts and philanthropist Alice Walton, Art Bridges strives to bring great works of American art out of storage and into communities across the country through collaborative development and funding of exhibitions, collection loans and programs designed to reach new audiences.

“We are delighted to welcome Paul as our new CEO,” said Alice Walton, Art Bridges founder and board chairperson. “Paul’s experience as a scholar, curator and business professional will help us develop new partnerships and broaden our reach. This is an exciting time for Art Bridges, and Paul’s expertise will help guide our growth in working with museums and arts organizations to expand access to American art across the country.”

A graduate of Princeton University who holds both an M.A. and Ph.D. in the history of art and archaeology, Provost was curator of paintings, drawings & sculpture at the New-York Historical Society before joining the staff at Christie’s in New York where he was the director of trusts & estates and later became deputy chairman. In addition, he has more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, guest lecturer and committee member at organizations ranging from Williams College to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“I’m deeply inspired by Alice Walton’s vision for Art Bridges and its core mission – providing access for everyone to outstanding examples of American art,” said Provost. “Art and education have transformed my life, and I’m excited to be leading an organization that can provide life-changing opportunities for others. By building on its current momentum, Art Bridges is poised to lead an expansive and inclusive conversation around who we are as a nation. Along with Art Bridges’ museum partners and the museum-going public we can begin that discussion with our shared American culture as the communal touchstone.”