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Call for Docents
The New Orleans Museum of Art is currently reviewing applications for a new class of docents.
Please review the following information carefully before submitting an application.
The docent application process has now closed for 2008. Please check back in late summer 2009
to apply for the next docent class.
What is a docent?
A docent is a volunteer tour guide or gallery teacher. The word docent comes from the Latin word docere,
meaning "to teach." Docents serve as a vital link between the public and Museum exhibitions and facilitate
learning by helping audiences of all ages understand and enjoy the art at NOMA.
Who should apply to become a docent?
Ideal docents are interested in art, enjoy learning and research, and are reliable, enthusiastic,
flexible and self motivated. They are comfortable working with and speaking to the public. Prospective
docents should be able to complete the initial training course, meet the minimum touring and training
requirements annually, and agree to a two-year commitment to the Museum.
What are the docent training requirements?
Docents-in-training are expected to attend the entire training course. The training runs weekly
from August 26, 2008 to May 12, 2009, except for holidays. Following the initial training year,
continuing education for all docents is once a month during the academic year. All trainings take
place on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to Noon. Training is comprehensive but rewarding.
It includes classes and workshops in teaching theories, museum education, art history, methods of
interpretation, and touring techniques. These sessions provide information on the history of NOMA,
the Museum's permanent collections and special exhibitions. Out-of-class work, such as readings
and tour development, will be required.
What are the benefits of becoming a docent at NOMA?
- Satisfaction from sharing your interest in art with Museum visitors
- Active involvement with the Museum and its staff
- Opportunities to work and socialize with others who share a common interest
- Lectures by Museum curators, visiting scholars and artists
- Unlimited free admission to the Museum
- Discount in the Museum Shop
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