It Takes Diversity of Thought, Culture, Background, and Perspective to Create a Truly Equitable and Inclusive Museum.
The Newport Art Museum’s mission is to share a diversity of art and experiences that spark reflection, inspiration, discovery, and connections within our Newport community and beyond. We are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion because the collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our employees invest in their work ensures the Museum is a welcoming place for everyone. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that new employees can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
Current Openings:
Volunteer Museum Docent
The Newport Art Museum’s Docents are dedicated volunteers who support the mission of the museum by providing tours for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Docents are trained to use questions, conversation, and factual content to engage our diverse audiences in positive, meaningful, and relevant exploration of the museum’s architecture, collection and changing exhibitions.
Principal Responsibilities
Lead engaging, age appropriate, and dialogue driven guided tours to individuals and groups of students, adults, and seniors. Docents participate in museum content training, engagement strategy training, and Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion training, to ensure tours are welcoming, educational and inspirational for all participants.
Qualifications
- Though it is not necessary to have a degree in art or art history, or experience as a teacher, Docents must exude a natural curiosity and appreciation for art and history, and a passion for sharing that appreciation with others.
- Strong ability to establish rapport with young people, and accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Excellent verbal communication skills, comfortable speaking in public.
- Availability to attend monthly training sessions, quarterly curator-led gallery tours and periodic planning sessions.
- Willingness to provide a minimum of 10 tours/year.
- Commitment to participate in the program for a minimum of 2 years, though longer service is welcome and encouraged.
- Active membership in the Newport Art Museum
- Access to email and knowledge of Google Suite (sheets, docs, forms) for scheduling and communication purposes.
- Proficiency in Spanish or American Sign Language a plus
Benefits
- Docent noted on Museum Membership card
- One complimentary class at the Museum School for every 2 years of Active Docent service
- Early Previews of Special Exhibitions led by Curator
- Intellectual stimulation and lifelong learning
The Newport Art Museum encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and Spanish speaking candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
To Apply
Interested candidates should download the application below and mail or deliver to the Museum, or email to csearles@newportartmuseum.org with Docent in the subject line. No phone calls please.
Deadline to apply: October 30, 2022