The Biggs offers multiple volunteer opportunities – no experience in art and history is needed. You can sign up to work a particular time over a set period that can extend to a regular shift. Or opt to work as needed. You may express interest in more than one category.
Visitor experience volunteers welcome members and guests and orient them to the exhibition layout and areas of interest in the collection. Visitor Experience volunteers and staff are the “face of The Biggs.” They greet visitors with a friendly demeanor and answer questions or concerns. They should be able to answer general questions about the museum, the collection, nearby attractions and points of interest. Volunteers are asked to maintain the gallery space during their shift. They help the front desk staff with check-in, gift shop sales and membership services when needed. They may be asked to help with administrative duties, such as preparing mailings.
VISITOR EXPERIENCE
Gallery attendant volunteers work with the Visitor Experience Department to ensure that museum gallery spaces are carefully monitored and in good condition. Attendants should be knowledgeable of the museum collection and guidelines to help visitors with concerns or questions. They ensure that visitors don’t touch artwork, gallery floors are free of debris and safe, and that visitors feel welcome. They must be able to stand for long periods and make rounds through the galleries to watch visitors and the art collection. Volunteer shifts are available during typical operating hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
GALLERY ATTENDANT
Docent volunteers are trained to lead group tours of the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions. Docents must know the museum’s history, furniture, paintings, antiques and silverware, in addition to special exhibitions. Select members of this group will be on call to lead booked group and school tours as scheduled. Docents must be comfortable with public speaking and working with diverse groups of people. Ideal candidates have an engaging personality, a willingness to learn, reliability, and an interest in art and art history. This post requires extensive training and a minimum six-month commitment. Docent shifts are available during typical operating hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. On-call education tours may occur weekdays when the museum is closed to the public.
DOCENT
Program volunteers are needed as an extra set of hands during programs for children and adults. These volunteers would not lead programs but ensure they run smoothly from setup, check-in, through cleanup. Programs include children’s crafts to adult hands-on creative projects and lectures. Program volunteers should be willing to roll up their sleeves and must be able to lift 25 pounds unassisted. Programs typically occur during evenings and weekends.
PROGRAM
Special event volunteers assist the visitor experience chief and membership services with opening receptions, festivals and private events. At on-site events, volunteers help set up tables, food and drinks; greet guests; and help special events run smoothly. After the event, volunteers help guests depart and clean the event site. At offsite events, volunteers represent The Biggs to relate museum happenings. They may be asked to lead simple hands-on crafts or collect contact information from booth visitors. Volunteers are expected to help set up and break down a booth or table. Volunteers should be willing to pitch in and participate. The ideal special events volunteer is approachable and engaging. Special events typically occur on evenings and weekends, but assistance occasionally is needed at offsite events and festivals on weekdays.
SPECIAL EVENT
Special skills volunteers share trade skills such as building, painting, electrical or creative skills such as photography, videography, set design or language translation. We want to build a capable volunteer team with diverse expertise.
SPECIAL SKILLS
The Biggs needs willing workers and helping hands.
Volunteer at The Biggs today.
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