Open to opportunities

Mandi Smith

@mandismith

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Curatorial specialist and art educator focused on community-centered exhibitions.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role where I lead community-centered exhibitions, blend research with pedagogy, and collaborate across institutions to expand access and social-impact programming.

I am a curatorial specialist and art educator with a strong track record in exhibition development, arts administration, and community engagement. I lead projects that integrate research, pedagogy, and participatory practices to amplify diverse narratives.

My work includes co-curating community-focused exhibitions such as "Where we go together" and "Teatro Delle Relazioni," and supporting curatorial research at the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum. I combine archival research with visitor-experience strategies and innovative educational tools to increase public interaction.

As a published arts writer and independent author, I contribute critical writing and reviews to contemporary arts discourse while developing curricular materials and facilitating inclusive classroom discussions. I bring experience securing sponsorships, producing press materials, and creating interpretive content for exhibitions.

I am committed to social justice, trauma-informed practices, and cross-cultural collaboration, and I leverage multimedia, web-publishing, and data-management skills to support impactful public programming and scholarship.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Graduate Associate

Current

University of Arizona

Jan 2025 - Present (9 months)

Support faculty and students in art research and curriculum development, create inclusive educational materials, and assist with classroom technology and student advising to foster engagement and academic success.

Curriculum Development Student Advisement Inclusive Education

Current

Independent Author

Current

Freelance

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 9 months)

Authored and published creative works exploring trauma and healing, including the novel 'Bittersweet Woman', and contributed exhibition reviews and art criticism to Musee Magazine to engage contemporary arts discourse.

Creative Writing Publishing Research Content Development

Co-Curator

University of Arizona

Oct 2025 - Nov 2025 (1 month)

Led thematic development and audience engagement for the 'Where we go together' community-focused exhibition, integrating student PhotoVoice data and QR-based visitor feedback to increase public interaction. Coordinated cross-departmental and community partnerships to deliver exhibition programming on schedule.

Community Engagement Project Coordination QR Based Surveys Stakeholder Management

Curatorial Archive Research Assistant

Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum

Jul 2025 - Aug 2025 (1 month)

Supported curatorial research and archival documentation on the founder Ilias Lalaounis, contributing to enhanced interpretive materials and visitor engagement strategies. Assisted public programs that increased interaction with collections.

Museum Studies Visitor Experience Curatorial Research Documentation Public Programming Collections Interpretation

Co-Curator

Istituto Europeo di Design

Nov 2023 - Jan 2025 (1 year 2 months)

Collaborated on planning and community dialogue for 'Teatro Delle Relazioni', leading curatorial initiatives that emphasized social relationships and cross-cultural collaboration with local partners like Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi.

Community Centered Curation Public Engagement

Curatorial Intern

Alfa Art Gallery

Mar 2024 - Aug 2024 (5 months)

Supported curatorial and administrative functions for contemporary exhibitions by developing press materials, securing sponsorships, and contributing to research and interpretive content.

Press Materials Exhibition Research Event Planning Artist Interviews Interpretive Content