The Bell’s program is defined by new commissions and exhibition projects with emerging and underrecognized artists whose work aligns with the interdisciplinary research interests of its curatorial team.

The Bell commissions two to three major exhibitions a year that are amplified by public events and conversations, performances, artist residencies, academic symposia, and publications. They are developed with Brown faculty, departments, centers, and institutes and with partners in the Providence region, nationally, and internationally.

The Bell maintains a collection of more than 7,000 works of art, dating from the 16th century to the present, with particularly rich holdings in 20th and 21st century works on paper. Recent acquisitions include works by Deana Lawson, Sadie Barnette, and Martine Gutierrez.