The Blanton offers inspired community members and university students the opportunity to become a museum docent.
Docents are vital to the museum experience. Docents at the Blanton engage visitors of all ages and backgrounds in active exploration of art.
PLEASE NOTE: We have currently closed applications for this year's class. Please check back in March 2010 for updates.
The Blanton is looking for applicants that have:
- An ability to think creatively, listen, and be open-minded and flexible
- A passion for learning
- An interest in sparking conversations with visitors
- A commitment to creating a unique and meaningful experience for visitors
- A desire to connect visitors to art and ideas
Training
Training is intensive but rewarding. It includes classes and workshops in teaching theories, museum education, art history, methods of interpretation, teaching techniques, and presentation skills. Out-of-class work, such as readings and tour development are required. Individuals accepted to the Docent Program are required to attend education sessions organized by the Manager of Docent and University Programs.
Responsibilities
- Participants accepted in the docent program are asked to make a minimum commitment of two years as an active docent.
- All participants meet once a week for trainings, Monday mornings 10 AM – 12 PM, or Monday evenings 6 – 8 PM
- Active docents give tours once a week and attend weekly training sessions.
- Docents are encouraged to volunteer time to other educational programs and docent committees.
- As part of professional development, docents engage in reflection about their tour practices and techniques. This includes tour observations by museum staff, after which docents are asked to incorporate recommendations into tour development.
- All volunteers, including docents, are required to become members of the Blanton.
Benefits include
- Time with others who are passionate about art and learning.
- Access to the Education Resource Room and UT Library system.
- Invitations to symposia, gallery talks, and other continuing education events.
- Field trips to museums in other Texas cities.
- Discounts on museum shop items and special events/programs.
- Invitations to exhibition opening receptions at the museum.
Docent Application Form (pdf – download adobe reader.)
For more information about the Docent Program or to apply please call Stephanie Niemeyer at (512) 471-4523 or print and fax the Docent Application Form to (512) 471-5515 or mail to:
Manager of Docent and University Programs
The University of Texas at Austin
Blanton Museum of Art
1 University Station D1301
Austin, TX 78712
Blanton Volunteer Newsletter
