We'd love to have you aboard!

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 600 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). 

Volunteers serve in a variety of roles within the museum such as assisting visitors in the galleries, staffing information desks, ushering in the Detroit Film Theatre, supporting staff in the Museum Shop and other departments, providing museum tours, and representing the DIA in the community.

There are two application periods for volunteers interested in committees other than Interpretive Programs:

January 1 - March 31 and August 1 - October 31

Our online application will only be accepted and available during these open application periods. Requirements for volunteers include willingness to provide excellent service to DIA patrons, enthusiasm, and love of art. An active DIA membership at any level is also required. Volunteering is open to anyone 18 and older.  Submission of an application does not guarantee a volunteer position.

Flexible schedules are available on weekdays, weekends, and Friday evenings. Our greatest need is for volunteers willing to assist on Tuesdays, Friday nights and weekends. To learn more, contact the Volunteer Services Department at 313-494-5221 Tuesday – Sunday or email diavol@dia.org.

Available opportunities by committee:

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.

Requirements

  • Attendance at Volunteer Welcome Seminar following acceptance of application
  • Two hour training session plus on the job training
  • Ability or willingness to work with a computer
  • One 3 ½ – 4 hour shift per month
  • Committee meetings as scheduled
  • Annual committee dues

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.

Requirements

  • Attendance at Volunteer Welcome Seminar following acceptance of application
  • Two hour training plus on the job training
  • Ability to circulate throughout galleries for 3-3 ½ hours
  • One 3 ½ – 4 hour shift per month
  • Committee meetings as scheduled
  • Annual committee dues

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.

Requirements

  • Attendance at Volunteer Welcome Seminar following acceptance of application
  • One hour training plus on the job training
  • 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
  • One show per month
  • Annual committee dues

Interpretive Programs Volunteers (IPVs) provide learner-centered tours to DIA visitors in the museum and outreach programming in the community.

The application for the 2019-2020 class is now closed. Please consider volunteer opportunities with the DFT Usher, Gallery Information, or Gallery Service committees.

Requirements

  • Application and interview with IPV committee leadership
  • Average of two Saturday trainings per month from September 2019 through June 2020
  • Ability or willingness to work with a computer
  • Upon completion of training, 50 hours and 20 tours per year
  • Committee meetings as scheduled DIA Membership and annual IPV committee dues

Museum Shop volunteers provide support to staff in the DIA Retail Operations and assist visitors in the DIA Museum Shop and special exhibition outpost shops.

Requirements

  • Attendance at Volunteer Welcome Seminar following acceptance of the application
  • Three hour training plus on the job training
  • Strong customer service skills
  • One 3 ½ – 4 hour shift per month
  • Committee meetings as scheduled
  • Annual committee dues

Staff Aides volunteers provide behind-the-scenes support to staff in the DIA offices and assist with special projects and mailings. Currently, the committee is not accepting new applicants. Please consider joining one of our other DIA volunteer committees, including Detroit Film Theatre Ushers, Gallery Information, and Gallery Service.