Become a Docent at MMAM

 

Docents

Docents are specially trained volunteers who facilitate tour experiences for visiting groups. Docents with tour groups of all ages and backgrounds. They use inquiry, discussion and interactive strategies to help people make personal connections with the art. This position requires an ten week training course offered every other winter.

The MMAM education team will be training a new cohort of docents in the Spring of 2024. Docent classes are only held once every two years, and applications will be due by January 10, 2024. We are specifically looking for docents who will lead students in kindergarten through 6th grade during the weeks of March 19-22, April 23-26, and May 21-21, 2024 If you are interested in becoming a docent, please register for our information sessions on Thursday, October 26, Thursday, November 9, Thursday, January 4, or reach out to Heather Casper.

 
 

MISSION OF THE MINNESOTA MARINE ART MUSEUM:

To create meaningful art experiences that explore our relationship with water. 

MMAM VOLUNTEER MISSION STATEMENT:

Minnesota Marine Art Museum volunteers love art and people. Volunteers serve as ambassadors to welcome and engage all Museum visitors. MMAM is committed to supporting volunteers, to creating opportunities for community investment and maintaining organizational transparency.

WHAT IS A DOCENT?

Docents are specially trained volunteers who facilitate tour experiences for visiting groups of all ages and abilities. Working with groups in the galleries, docents use inquiry, discussion and interactive strategies to help people make personal connections with the artworks. Docents are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, excellent communicators who respect all viewpoints.

REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS:

  • Attend each of the ten docent training classes over a four week period. We are planning to meet from 10am-Noon during the months of February and March on the following days: February 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 March 13, 14, and 21.  Dates are subject to change. 

  • Attend monthly continuing education docent classes at MMAM to learn about new exhibitions and refine touring strategies. These sessions occur on the third Thursday of every month from 10am-Noon. 

  • Lead at least six tours a year to retain an active docent status. WHEN TOURS HAPPEN- Saturday tours, school tours special weeks.  

  • We are specifically looking for docents who will lead students in kindergarten through 6th grade.  

  • Must use email, and have access to the internet so we can share resources and sign up for tours.  We will share resources on Google Drive, so a gmail address is helpful. 

  • All prospective docents must train first as a volunteer Greeter. This role requires a 90-minute orientation training, and five hours of volunteer service before the start of the docent class. 

BENEFITS OF BEING A DOCENT:

  • Participate in building creative capacity in our children. Create “a-ha” moments!

  • Meet other docents who share your passion for connecting people with art.

  • Enjoy a 10% off discount in the MMAM Store. (MMAM members receive an additional 10% off)

  • Enjoy 20% off basic level MMAM memberships.

  • Docents will be paid $20 per tour (training time not included.)