Are you in becoming a docent at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM)?
Docents are specially trained volunteers who facilitate tour experiences for visiting groups. Docents lead tour groups of all ages and backgrounds, although we are specifically looking for new docents to lead school tours for kindergarten through 6th grade. They use inquiry, discussion and interactive strategies to help people make personal connections with the art and exhibitions at MMAM.
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.
Join us for an informal information session on Thursday, November 9, from 10am to 11am at MMAM to learn about what it takes to become a docent. There will be free coffee and Bloedow’s doughnuts for all attendees. Registration is required.
Register for the information session
If you are unable to attend the information session, but are still interested in becoming a docent, please still register and note that you will be unable to attend. We will reach out to you directly!
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 of becoming a docent:
Attend each of the ten docent training classes over a four week period. We are planning to meet from 10am - 12pm during the months of February and March of 2024 on the following days:
February 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
March 13, 14, and 21.
Dates are subject to change.
After you have completed your docent training, attend additional 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 - 12pm.
Lead at least six tours a year to retain an active docent status.
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.)