BENTONVILLE, ARK.- Art Bridges Foundation announced today that Ashley Holland has been promoted to Associate Curator. Holland previously held the position of Assistant Curator since August 2018. Her promotion takes effect immediately.

“Art Bridges mission is to expand access to American art across the U.S. and to broaden the traditional definitions of American art,” said Paul Provost, CEO, Art Bridges. “As Associate Curator, Ashley brings the authority, expertise, and a deep understanding for how Art Bridges can achieve its mission and we are so excited to see how she will continue to shape and expand the Art Bridges Collection.”

In her new role, Holland will serve as a key member of the Art Bridges curatorial team by working toward the development and implementation of curatorial projects, including collection placements with Art Bridges partners, exhibition planning and review, publications, and the maintenance, research, presentation, and growth of the Art Bridges collection.

Holland will assist with researching future exhibitions, develop focus exhibitions, and act as a curator for traveling exhibition in addition to overseeing the collection placement program by working with the curatorial team and other Art Bridges staff to identify partner museums for collection placements. Further, she will propose and manage art acquisitions to ensure the Art Bridges collection reflects a commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

“I am thrilled to be continuing my curatorial career with Art Bridges and help in our commitment to expand access to American art to all,” said Holland. “The idea of American art is ever changing and it is important to me that Art Bridges continues our curatorial strategy of inclusion, education, and diversity in our partnerships, collecting, and exhibitions. I genuinely believe in the power and responsibility of museums and am excited to continue ensuring that the Art Bridges mission is activated at institutions across the country.”

Prior to Art Bridges, Holland was Assistant Curator of Native Art at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis. Holland is also a doctoral candidate (ABD) in Art History at the University of Oklahoma, Norman with a focus on Indigenous identity, cultural memory, and issues of diaspora in Cherokee contemporary art. She received her M.A. in Museum Studies from Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis and B.A. in Art History and Religious Studies from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana. Holland is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and currently lives in Rogers, Arkansas.