Museum Studies Blog at Tufts University

The ICA offers visiting groups a guided experience. We are now recruiting a new class of volunteer guides.

WHO ARE WE?

ICA Tour Guides are a dynamic community of volunteers and key members of the Education Department with a shared interest in the art of our time. We are fabulously diverse; everything from biologists to artists, and everything in between. In sparking lively conversations, we encourage people of all ages to appreciate and make meaning from contemporary art and culture – without the artspeak.

TOUR GUIDE BENEFITS

• Access to Education and Curatorial staff
• Invitations to VIP Openings
• Exclusive trainings, field trips, and other social events
• Discounts in the ICA Store and Water Café
• Discounts on ICA-produced programs
• Unlimited FREE admission to the Museum for you and up to two (2) guests

Qualifications:

WHO ARE YOU?

You are an enthusiastic, energetic museum-lover who enjoys conversing with people of all ages and backgrounds – and are passionate about art, creativity, and culture. You don’t need to have prior experience as a guide or educator, but you should be comfortable speaking in public.

We seek lifelong learners with a rich range of personal and professional experiences to engage the public in dynamic and out-of-the-box creative conversations about works on view.

All accepted applicants will participate in a Monday 10 am to 12 noon, semester-long (September – November) training course to learn more about contemporary art and culture, the history and architecture of the ICA, education and interpretive strategies, and touring techniques for diverse audiences. Please note that regular attendance to this course is required and participation in all discussions and group activities is expected.

After the initial training course, participants will be expected to shadow two (2) ICA tours, at least one private and public tour. Each participant will develop and conduct a one-hour long graduation tour in late November 2015. The tour will be followed by a discussion and evaluation session with Education Department staff.

Upon graduation, all Tour Guides are expected to lead a minimum of four (4) tours each month, attend requisite trainings for new exhibitions, and commit to the ICA Tour Program for a minimum of two (2) years. Guides are also responsible for conducting outside research via the Education Department’s Wiki and preparing for their tours.

How To Apply:

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Please review and complete the ICA Guide Application Form by May 15, 2015: http://www.icaboston.org/about/working-at-the-ica/volunteer/.

The deadline for applications is May 15, 2015 for the training course that begins in September 2015. Interviews will be conducted in June 2015. Applicants will be notified shortly thereafter whether they have been accepted into the program.

Note: The ICA Tour Program does not accept applications from current high school or college students.

For more information, please email tours@icaboston.org 
No phone calls please.