Greenway Volunteer Program
Arts Ambassador
About the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy
The Conservancy is the designated steward of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a mile-and-a-half of
contemporary parks in the heart of Boston that connect people and the city with beauty and fun. The
non-profit Conservancy maintains, programs, and improves the Greenway on behalf of the public and in
partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Position Overview
The Conservancy is dedicated to bringing innovative and contemporary art to the Greenway through
free, temporary exhibitions. A five-year public art strategy was developed for 2013-2017 that stresses
the importance of engaging people in meaningful experiences, interactions and dialogue with art and
each other, as well as giving artists unique opportunities to exhibit bold new work that consider the
possibilities of 21st century Boston.
In 2015 we will bring these ideas to life with an
aerial sculpture by world renowned local artist
Janet Echelman that will be installed over our Ft.
Point Channel Parks from May through October.
We will also continue murals on the Greenway
Wall at Dewey Square Park and the photography
exhibition The Fence, and will be growing this
program as we move forward.
This volunteer position supports our public art
program by providing park-based ambassadors
that are knowledgeable about contemporary art
practices, the artwork on the Greenway and our park system. This new position is intended to help the
public better understand the artworks that dot the park system, helping to inspire our many visitors. We
are looking for people who are passionate about public art and public spaces, and are willing to work
with a team to create meaningful experiences for park patrons. This position is moderately structured
with set shifts and responsibilities, and includes a range of opportunities and experiences.
Responsibilities
Arts Ambassador responsibilities include:
• Acting as a friendly, knowledgeable and approachable presence at our public art exhibitions
and events
• Leading Greenway art tours
• Engaging visitors with information about our exhibitions and activities on-site
• Completing measureable observations for inclusion in public art reports
• Administering surveys that measure the visitor experience
• Providing on-site support during performance events, lectures and other programs related to
our public art program
1.26, Amsterdam, 2012-2013
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Qualifications
• Passion for public art, with academic or professional experience in the arts preferred
• Ability to commit to a set schedule of shifts for at least 3 months with a minimum of eight hours
per month
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to engage with park visitors
• Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor and commitment to providing a positive
experience for our park guests
• Ability to work outside in a variety of weather types, to move equipment including a rolling kiosk
and program materials, and to stand for a period of time
• All volunteers must complete a general orientation as well as specialized and periodic training
on our exhibitions, and must follow our volunteer policies at all times
• Must have email and internet access, as this will be the primary means of scheduling and
communication
Details
This position reports to Lucas Cowan, our Public Art Curator. We will rely primarily on set shift
schedules that provide volunteer coverage during busy times of the week and allow us to consistently
advertise the times when we have activities near our exhibitions. There will also be some special shifts
that will support a range of activities, performances and lectures, particularly in relation to the Janet
Echelman aerial sculpture.
Arts Ambassadors will primarily be needed from May through early October and assignments may shift
throughout this season as exhibitions change and new opportunities arise.
Shift length will vary depending upon assignment but will generally be between 3 and 5 hours. At least
two shifts per month are required, given the amount of training involved in this assignment. Ideally, all
volunteers will be able to do at least four shifts a month and have a fairly regular schedule. We are also
willing to work with volunteers who would like to take a larger number of shifts and create a
professional experience in the public arts field that would be suitable for college credit.
Volunteers will be provided with and asked to wear a t-shirt identifying them as an Arts Ambassador.
Otherwise we ask that volunteers wear casual but professional clothing appropriate for the outdoors.
Benefits
• Further develop public presentation skills and be involved in a large-scale, impactful art piece
• Be a part of a great team of Arts Ambassadors and interact with Greenway staff and partners,
potentially including artists, performers, and Boston arts professionals
• Gain public art knowledge and experience to support career development
• Participate in the benefits of the Greenway volunteer program, including a summer Volunteer
and Member picnic, a t-shirt, and other training and event opportunities depending on
accumulated volunteer hours
• Opportunity to gain college credit, when applicable at your university
Application Process
Positions are limited. Applications for the first round of recruiting are due by Monday, March 2nd. To
apply, please fill out the Arts Ambassador application and submit it along with your resume to Keelin Purcell, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@rfkgc.org. http://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/files/4514/2316/0124/2015_Arts_Ambassador_Volunteer_Application_Form.pdf
Applicants will be interviewed and selected by April 3rd and training sessions will be scheduled for April.
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