Dear Prospective Docent,
Thank you for your interest in the Docent Program at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art. Our docents perform one of the most important functions at the museum: introducing and deepening the museum experience for groups and visitors of all ages. It is a rewarding experience and an essential part of our education program.
Program Benefits
Joining the National Museum of African Art’s docent corps offers access to:
- behind the scenes information on upcoming exhibitions
- lectures from curators and artists
- private tours of African art collections and exhibitions at other sites. invitations to member-only receptions and special events hosted at the museum
- a discount in the NMAfA gift store and other Smithsonian museum gift shops
- a strong community of individuals with a love for the African arts, history, and culture
- other discounts and privileges
Program Requirements
As applications are reviewed, we will look for the following:
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1. Creativity: A willingness to learn and use new methods to engage museum audiences.
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2. Flexibility: Exhibitions range from those focusing on traditional arts to contemporary arts. Special exhibitions are a regular part of the museum’s galleries. Docents are needed to cover a range of artistic traditions and periods, and docents are expected to cover both collections galleries and special exhibition galleries. Docents interested in tours and carts are also expected to work with a range of age groups, and training will prepare docents for effective teaching methods with all ages.
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3. Commitment: Docents are expected to make a commitment of two full years of docent service upon completion of training.
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4. Dependability: Docents are expected to arrive early to prepare for their assignment and not to cancel unless there is an emergency.
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5. Love of the arts: Although past coursework in art or art history or docent training is not required to start the program, experience with art history or museums will be beneficial. Familiarity with African art, history and culture is a plus.
Opportunities for volunteers
- to provide tours of the museum’s collections and temporary exhibitions to walk-in visitors and pre-scheduled groups, which may include school groups of various age levels and special tours for VIPs;
- to assist in performing research on topics as needed for exhibitions or programming;
- to assist with public programs such as lectures or performances;
- to engage walk-in visitors in conversation through mobile carts containing teaching objects, images, and activities;
- to respond to visitor questions and needs and provide information on the museum’s collections and exhibitions.
Open House
Individuals interested in learning more about the NMAFA docent program and in submitting an application must attend the open house event scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 10am to 1pm. The open house will feature tours from the museum’s docents, further information about the docent program and training schedule, and opportunity to meet museum staff and see the museum’s art programs in person.
Training Schedule
Docent training consists of 15 sessions, on Wednesday evenings and occasional Saturday mornings beginning in June and ending in August, concluding with qualifying exams. One absence is permitted.
A survey of the National Museum of African Art collections will be presented, as well as thorough training in the traditional and contemporary arts of Africa. Docents will also receive extensive training in presentation techniques and how to effectively teach in a museum setting. Training will be conducted by museum staff and experts in the fields of African art, history and culture.
Following Training
Ongoing training sessions are required throughout the year on approximately the third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 – 8:30pm. In consultation with the Docent Coordinator, you will be assigned a schedule based on the Museum’s needs and your preference(s). Docents are required to complete 60 hours per year (at least two shifts per month), and attend at least 8 out of 10 training sessions per year. Field trips are also planned to other museums. Evaluations will occur throughout the year.
Our docents at the National Museum of African Art are a sincerely dedicated and an extremely talented group. We look forward to your application to this program. Your love of African arts and culture and participation in this program will make you a part of the magic of bringing art and people together. Thank you very much for your interest.
Please complete the attached application form (no handwriting please) and attach a copy of your resume. Submit both via email by April 17, 2015 to the Ade Afolayan at afolayana@si.edu. If you have any questions about the docent program, please email Reema Ghazi at ghazir@si.edu.
Alternatively, you can download the pdf directly here.
