We will NOT be accepting applications for Learning and Interpretation Volunteers (Docents, Speakers Bureau, Art to the Schools) for the 2009/2010 training year. Please check back for updates regarding future opportunities in Learning and Interpretation.

Gallery Information

Become the friendly face of the DIA as you welcome and assist visitors at the information desks and in the galleries. Gallery Information volunteers give directions, answer general questions about the museum's collection, provide news about museum activities, and assist visitors.

Training

• Desk duty training
• Use of reference resources
• On-the-job training

Requirements

• Volunteer orientation
• Interview by Staff Advisor and/or Chairman
• Training seminar
• On-the-job training

Commitment

• One half-day per week
• Committee meetings as scheduled
• Collection tours and enrichments as scheduled
• Minimum 50 hours per year for active status

Gallery Service

Surround yourself with art and help visitors at the same time. Gallery Service volunteers maintain a presence in the galleries and serve as hosts, greeting and assisting visitors in their assigned areas.

Training

• 2-hour classroom training
• On-the-job training

Requirements

• Volunteer orientation
• Application
• Interview by Staff Advisor and Chairman

Commitment

• Four hours one day per month, minimum
• One committee meeting every other month
• Minimum 50 hours service per year for active status

Museum Docents

Become a docent and guide visitors of all ages on tours of the museum's extraordinary permanent collection. Museum docents tour students in grades 3-12, Tuesday through Friday, and adults daily during the DIA's open hours including Friday nights.

Training

• 10-month training program, September-June (2 days per week)
• Survey of World Art
• Techniques development
• Practice of learned skills
• Additional mandatory trainings in subsequent years

Requirements

• Volunteer orientation
• Apply with the DIA's Education Department
• Interview
• Staff approval upon completion of training

Commitment

• Three years preferred
• Must be available for school tours
• Minimum 20 tours per year
• Monthly meeting
• Minimum 50 hours service per year

Museum Shop

If you like art and you like shopping, this is the place for you. The museum shop gives visitors the chance to take home a memory of their museum visit and earns important revenue for museum operations. Volunteers assist staff in restocking and in helping visitors to select purchases from a variety of merchandise including books, posters, jewelry, and art-related gift items.

Training

• On-the-job training in sales and shop operation

Requirements

• Volunteer orientation
• Application
• Training seminar
• Interview by Staff Advisor and Chairman

Commitment

• Attend committee meetings
• 3-4 hour shift once per month
• Minimum 50 hours service per year

Staff Aides

If you ever wondered how one of the best museums in the country is run, become a staff aide and find out. Staff aides assist both the museum and Volunteer Committee in everything from stuffing envelopes to a specialized placement in a museum department. The tasks are varied and interesting. While business skills are valued, they are not essential. Training is available.

Training

• On the job training in the various areas in which Staff Aides serve

Requirements

• Volunteer orientation
• Profile sheet
• Interview by Staff Advisor and/or Chairman
• Willingness to work when and where assigned

Commitment

• Committee meetings as needed
• Minimum 50 hours service per year