Julia Wintner named Bradbury Art Museum director

The Bradbury Art Museum (BAM) at Arkansas State University has named a new director. Julia Wintner, whose work bridges global contemporary art, community-engaged museum practice, and academic leadership, has been selected to serve as director.

“We are excited to welcome Wintner to A-State as the new director of the Bradbury Art Museum,” said Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication.

Wintner’s career has taken her around the world.

“My career has been shaped by international collaborations that explore how art connects global communities,” Wintner said. “Through teaching and curatorial work in Russia, India, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as research across Europe and the United States, I have seen firsthand how museums can foster cross-cultural dialogue and imaginative thinking.”

A curator, educator and scholar, she has a master of fine arts in curatorial studies from the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College in New York.

“Her vision and experience will bring new energy to BAM, foster innovative exhibitions, and increase community engagement,” Jones-Branch said. “Julia’s leadership will strengthen the museum’s role as a cultural hub for creativity and conversation at A-State, in Jonesboro, and throughout Northeast Arkansas.”

Wintner previously was director of the Art Gallery and Museum Services at Eastern Connecticut State University. In addition to her museum experience, she was awarded the Fulbright Teaching and Research award in 2023.

“Above all, I see BAM as a place where people and art come together to imagine new futures,” Wintner said. “I am excited to collaborate with artists, educators, cultural organizations, and our many communities to expand access to the arts and to create programs and spark curiosity, belonging and discovery.”

The museum was established in 2001 with major support from Curt and Chucki Bradbury.