Volunteers and Docents
Woodmere’s community of Volunteers and Docents are at the heart of what we do. By giving your time and energy, you can contribute to the next generation of Philadelphia’s artists and keep our mission strong.
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Become a Volunteer
ApplyVolunteering at Woodmere
Volunteers are an essential part of every department at Woodmere. They host member events and concerts, participate in children’s programs, and provide administrative support to staff—and that’s just a sampling of the services they provide. We offer flexible scheduling, complimentary admission to Museum events, Museum Store discounts, and a lively work environment.
Qualifications:
- A strong interest and passion for the arts
- A desire to learn
- Availability to volunteer a few times/month
- Previous volunteer or job experience interacting with people
- Any skills or experiences relevant to art & museums a plus, but not required
Benefits:
- Complimentary admission to Woodmere events
- Special discounts at the Museum’s Store
- Invitations to special events
- Flexible scheduling
- Camaraderie and new friendships
E-mail your completed application form to Veronica Farr, vfarr@woodmereartmuseum.org.
Docent program
Woodmere’s mission is to inspire creativity, learning, and self-expression through experiences with the art and artists of Philadelphia and the region.
Docents play an invaluable role at Woodmere. Trained to welcome and introduce visitors to Woodmere’s collection and exhibitions, docents design and lead tours for a diverse audience of adults, families, and school children. Using a variety of methods, docents engage audiences in creative discussions that provide meaningful experiences with works of art. Tours encourage discussion and promote multiple viewpoints and interpretations of artworks.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and disciplines to apply.
Qualifications:
- A strong interest and passion for the arts
- A desire to learn, enthusiasm, curiosity, initiative, and reliability
- Availability to give tours a couple of times/month
- Previous volunteer or job experience interacting with people
- Interest in developing the ability to present information to groups of adults and / or children
Benefits:
- Private, preparatory walkthroughs of exhibitions
- Free attendance to lectures and music events
- Complimentary catalogues
- Special discounts at the Museum Store and studio art classes
- Art history, education, and aesthetics training
- Invitations to special events
- Educational trips to see collections and museums off-site
- Camaraderie and new friendships
Training and Requirements:
Training is a 10-month process. Generally, there are no meetings in July and August though docents-in-training are welcome to observe tours. Meetings take place in-person twice a month on Tuesdays from 1-3 pm, (or if needed through Zoom).
Training includes activities that promote visual literacy and critical thinking skills, an understanding of the formal elements and principles of art, and the history of Woodmere and its collection. Trainees observe school programs and adult tours and prepare several presentations throughout the training process. The presentations are assessed by the education team who provide constructive suggestions and ongoing support.
After completion of training, docents should be prepared to attend ongoing docent meetings approximately twice a month on Monday afternoons. In addition, docents make a commitment to contribute 40 cumulative tour hours of tours and training a year, and are expected to be prepared at all times to discuss the history of the Museum, the permanent collection, and special exhibitions.
E-mail your completed application form to education@woodmereartmuseum.org.
