Get Involved / Volunteer
If you love the DIA and are interested in learning more, why not join the museum family by volunteering? It’s a wonderful chance to become an art aficionado, meet new and interesting friends, and experience the excitement of being part of one of the greatest art museums in the United States.
The DIA’s Volunteer Council is a group of more than 700 individuals who donate their time to provide a great experience for museum visitors, and to extend the DIA’s presence beyond our walls. The Volunteer Council consists of six different committees which include Gallery Service, Gallery Information, Museum Shop, DFT Ushers, Staff Aides, and Interpretive Programs Volunteers (IPV). Descriptions of the committees currently accepting volunteers are listed below.
Volunteers serve in a variety of roles within the museum such as assisting visitors in the galleries, staffing the information desks, ushering in the Detroit Film Theatre, providing tours to adults and school children, lecturing about the museum’s collection to both adult and school groups in the community, and supporting staff in various museum departments.
We have two application periods for volunteers interested in committees other than Interpretive Programs.
August 1- October 1
March 1 - May 1
Requirements for volunteers include willingness to provide excellent service to DIA patrons, enthusiasm, and love of art! Volunteering is open to anyone 18 and older.
Please review the committee descriptions and requirements by clicking on the links below. If you find a volunteer position that interests you, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form by clicking on the "Register to become a DIA volunteer" link. At the end of the form you will have an option to register for a Welcome Seminar where you will learn more about the available volunteer positions and have an opportunity to speak with staff and volunteers about your interests.
There are currently no trainings scheduled for Interpretive Programs Volunteers (formerly known as Docents, Speakers Bureau, and Art to the Schools) for the 2009/2010 training year. Please check back for updates regarding future opportunities.
Committees currently accepting applicants:
Gallery Information
Gallery Services
Museum Shop
DFT Ushers
Flexible schedules are available on weekdays, weekends, and Friday evenings. Our greatest need is for volunteers willing to assist on weekends and evenings. To learn more, contact the Volunteer Services Department at 313-494-5221 Tue.-Sun.
Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer to Volunteer
Gallery Information
Become the friendly face of the DIA as you welcome and assist visitors at the information desks. Gallery Information volunteers give directions, answer general questions about the museum’s collections, provide news about museum activities, and assist visitors.
Training
- Two hour training session plus on the job training
Requirements
- Ability or willingness to work with a computer
Commitment
- One 3 ½ hour shift weekly or one 4 hour shift every other weekend. Commitment to working a specific day.
- Committee meetings and enrichments
top
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. Gallery Service volunteers do not lecture about the museum’s collection.
Training
- Two hour training plus on the job training
Requirements
- Ability to circulate throughout galleries for 3-3 ½ hours
Commitment
- One shift per month (3 ½ - 4 hours)
- Committee meetings and enrichments as scheduled
top
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 helping visitors select purchases from a variety of merchandise including books, posters, jewelry, and art-related gift items.
Training
Commitment
- One 3 ½ - 4 hour shift per month
- Committee meetings and enrichments as scheduled
top
DFT Ushers
We welcome and assist patrons in the DIA auditorium, give directions, answer questions, and seat patrons. The Detroit Film Theatre operates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of the shows are in the evening. Volunteers may also be asked to help for other special programs in the auditorium. Help is particularly needed for the late shows and both shows on Saturdays.
Training
- One hour training plus on the job training
Requirements
- Ability to be on your feet for one hour prior to the start of the performance
- Dress code of black pants/skirt and a white or light colored shirt
Commitment
top
|
