Category: Volunteer Opportunities (Page 5 of 18)

DOCENT (VOLUNTEER)

Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation Boston, MA

The Paul S. Russell, MD Museum of Medical History and Innovation at Massachusetts General Hospital explores the hospital’s more than 200 years of history and the groundbreaking research happening here today. For more about the museum, visitwww.massgeneral.org/museum. Volunteer docents greet visitors, lead tours, and demonstrate pieces of technology and artifacts. Docents also have the opportunity to give tours of the hospital’s historic Ether Dome. While some of our docents are medical professionals or history buffs, no special background in history, medicine, or science is required! Docents typically have one standing two- or three-hour shift per week; must have some flexibility to cover other shifts. Must be available a minimum of six months. Send a note explaining your interest and availability to salger@mgh.harvard.edu.

Greenway Volunteer Program

Art 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. In 2012, a public art master plan

was developed 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 2016 we will be featuring public art in a variety of locations, based on two curatorial concepts:

text/language based works in contemporary art and the Chinese zodiac. Works include a to-be-announced

sculpture exhibit at the Rings Fountain, The Local (an exhibition by local artists), the new zodiac piece in

Chinatown and the mural on the Greenway Wall at Dewey Square Park.

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.

Ambassadors 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

Art Ambassador responsibilities include:

• Acting as a friendly, knowledgeable and approachable presence at our art exhibitions and events

• Engaging visitors with information about our exhibitions and activities on-site

• Providing on-site support during opening events, performances, lectures and other programs

related to our public art program

• Attending trainings and memorizing information about The Greenway and our programs

• Leading Greenway art tours

• Completing measureable observations for inclusion in public art reports

• Working closely with Play Ambassadors and our Play Coordinator to engage young park visitors in

informal learning

Qualifications

1

• 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 two shifts (5-8

hours) per month

• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to engage with park visitors (experience working

with children is a plus)

• 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 Keelin Purcell, Volunteer and Education Manager, and works very closely with

Lucas Cowan, our Public Art Curator, as well as the Curatorial Assistant and Play Coordinator. 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.

Shifts are anticipated to occur primarily at the Rings Fountain on select weekdays (5:00p-7:30p or 11:30a-

3:30p) and weekends (11:30a-3:30p, 2:00p-6:00p) though the exact schedule is still being determined.

Art Ambassadors will primarily be needed from May through early October and assignments may shift

throughout this season as exhibitions change and new opportunities arise. At least two shifts per month

are required, with preference for volunteers that can make a weekly commitment. We are also willing to

work with volunteers who would like to take on 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 Art 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 impactful art program

• Be a part of a great team of Art 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 are due by March 1st and then will be accepted on a rolling basis if open

positions remain; training sessions will begin in late March or early April. To apply, please fill out the Art

Ambassador application and submit it along with your resume to Keelin Purcell at volunteer@rfkgc.org.