Museum Studies Blog at Tufts University

Description:
Peabody Essex Museum Guides for Gallery Hangouts are volunteer docents who host drop-in programs throughout the museum, with a special focus on family groups made up of multiple generations. Gallery hangouts are “pop-up” programs offered for up to two hours at a time, located in a variety of spots to encourage surprise, fun, and discovery throughout the museum. PEM Guides invite audiences to connect with art and ideas using touchable objects, sketching and art experiences, games and challenges, hands-on discovery, and friendly conversation, helping to deepen and enhance the museum experience. Participants explore topics ranging from artistic processes and materials to cultural and historical context, creativity, and imagination. The Gallery Hangouts Team is one of four PEM Guide teams. Responsibilities include: · Completing an Initial Training program, concluding with a qualification process certifying the Guide to lead programs with the public · Learn, practice and deliver a variety of Gallery Hangout experiences developed by PEM’s Education Department, including Gallery Spots, Art Investigations, and other drop-in formats. · Attend monthly Team Meetings, participating in sharing, peer support and conversation about effective practice and contributing creative ideas to the ongoing development of Gallery Hangouts · Participate in continuous improvement, self-assessment, and program evaluation processes led by PEM staff · Use recordkeeping systems to track audience participation numbers · Conduct preparatory research outside training hours to develop knowledge and keep up to date on new content · Support PEM’s educational and interpretive goals and values, using interpersonal communication approaches established by Education staff

Qualifications:
The Guides for Gallery Hangouts enjoy meeting and talking with people of all ages and backgrounds; are active listeners with excellent conversational skills, able to get participants talking, sharing and interacting together; show enthusiasm for sharing art, culture, and ideas with people of all ages and backgrounds; show respect for all individuals; have a friendly manner and find it easy to initiate exchanges; have strong observational skills and an ability to “read” people’s responses; are flexible, able to tailor experiences “on the fly” to match participants’ interests and priorities; enjoy helping audiences explore a select range of subjects in many different ways, such as storytelling, object handling, art-making, and game playing; work with staff and peers to continuously improve gallery teaching skills, using coaching, reflection, and self-assessment ; are reliable in fulfilling their commitment to the museum and its mission. Commitment: · A one-time Initial Training program consisting of six (+/-) 3-hour sessions covering basic program skills and content, leading toward qualification. Initial training is offered on both a weekday and a weekend day. · Attend 3-hour monthly Team Meetings to learn new programs, explore content, practice activities and share ideas. Team Meetings are offered on both a weekday and a weekend day. · Attend quarterly 3-hour meetings with PEM Guides from all four teams. Receive updates on museum activities, hear new exhibition introductions, and access other useful information. These informational gatherings are offered in both weekday and weekend sessions. · Service – Gallery Hangout programs are offered on Saturdays and Sundays, with some exceptions featuring weekday programs during school vacations and holidays. Active PEM Guides for Gallery Hangouts are expected to contribute 5 hours per month, usually in two shifts of 2.5 hours each.

How To Apply:
To apply, visit http://www.pem.org/about/_employment/volunteer/ and complete the on-line application

Apply by:
November 15, 2015