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CINCINNATI— The Cincinnati Art Museum is on the hunt for enthusiastic and committed volunteers who want to learn about and share the museum’s unparalleled art collection and special exhibitions.

The museum is accepting applications for a new docent class from May 1–August 30, 2019. In line with its strategic plan, the museum aims to recruit 15–20 docents who will build upon and diversify its current team of 106 active docents.

Cincinnati Art Museum docents are volunteer educators who are more than tour guides. Docents create and facilitate conversation-based tours that make art from around the world more relevant and interesting for visitors. Docents receive a unique opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and in-depth into the museum’s collection and traveling exhibitions. No formal training or experience is required.

Associate Director of Docent Learning Andrew Palamara is heading the docent recruiting initiative. “We’re thrilled at this opportunity to reach new audiences and enrich our bond with members and visitors,” says Palamara. “Focusing on quality over quantity, we hope the future class of 2020 will expand the scope of what we do while making a positive impact on the Cincinnati community.”

Volunteers who are accepted into the Cincinnati Art Museum’s docent program will receive nine months of training led by museum staff, curators and art experts from January–September 2020. The training program, with both daytime and evening options, will include art history, familiarization with the museum’s collection and galleries and visitor interaction best practices. New docents will be required to sign a contract committing to two years of service after the training period. To maintain active docent status, docents must lead 30 tours per year. A weekend docent option is also available, requiring 15 tours per year.

Those interested in learning more about the docent program may attend an information session. The first will be held at the College Hill Recreation Center, 5545 Belmont Ave., on May 16, from 6–7 p.m. Another will be at the LeBlond Recreation Center, 2335 Riverside Dr., on June 19, from 6–7 p.m. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age or older to apply. To obtain an application, visit the museum front desk or our website at cincinnatiartmuseum.org/docentcorps.

About the Cincinnati Art Museum

The Cincinnati Art Museum is supported by the generosity of individuals and businesses that give annually to Artswave. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Cincinnati Art Museum with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Cincinnati Art Museum gratefully acknowledges operating support from the City of Cincinnati, as well as our members.

Free general admission to the Cincinnati Art Museum is made possible by a gift from the Rosenthal Family Foundation. Special exhibition pricing may vary. Parking at the Cincinnati Art Museum is free. The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thursday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. cincinnatiartmusem.org

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