DMA Docent Program

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A vital part of the School Programs team, DMA docents support the Education Division’s mission of building lasting relationships with our communities and creating experiences for them through the arts. Docents conduct weekly tours of the Museum’s collection and exhibitions for groups of visitors ranging from elementary school students to adult visitors. We seek lifelong learners who have a desire to encourage learning, foster creativity, and create memories, bringing art and visitors together and helping us to foster a sense of belonging at the DMA. A degree in art history is not required. Spanish-English bilingual skills are helpful, but not required.

If you are interested in becoming a DMA Docent, please apply here: https://www.volgistics.com/appform/79538379

DMA docents provide support for onsite tours. Volunteer responsibilities include:

• Planning and leading experience-rich tours primarily to K-12 students, but also to higher

  education students, and adult audiences.

• Attending and actively participating in regular docent training sessions.

• Communicating with teachers prior to their arrival at the Museum to help coordinate

  their visit.

• Welcoming and organizing school groups when they arrive at the Museum for their

  tours, assisting with wayfinding, and helping visitors understand gallery-safe guidelines.

• Serving as an ambassador for the Museum both on- and offsite.

• Paying the yearly docent dues

DMA docents should be available to lead two one-hour tours per week, Tuesday-Friday, throughout the school year (September - May), between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Successful docents are lifelong learners committed to actively participating in ongoing training, including sessions focused on cultural competences and intersectional teaching practices.

The knowledge and teaching strategies for conducting tours in the Museum’s galleries are accumulated over a yearlong training program consisting of lectures, gallery talks, and workshops led by staff and outside experts. Due to the substantial investment in training, we ask that all new docents commit to remaining in the program for a minimum of two years. All

docents attend regularly scheduled Monday training sessions from September to May to continue learning about the Museum’s collection, exhibitions, and best practices in museum education.

DMA docents will receive complimentary parking in the DMA garage and admission to exhibitions.

All volunteers are required to undergo a DMA background check and track their service hours for volunteer records and reports.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Volunteers must be 18 or older

• Ability to lead two one-hour tours per week

• Strong interest in working with visitors of all ages, particularly K-12 students

• Actively participate in docent training sessions

• Ability to use technology to regularly check the online tour schedule and communicate

  with Manager of School Programs

• Ability to commute to the DMA for training and volunteer service

• Ability to stand for long periods of time and navigate Museum galleries

• Ability to complete an online background check

• Excellent communication skills

• Excellent customer service skills