We’re expanding our footprint and our team. Join us on our mission to impact the community through art.
Become a Volunteer
Types of Volunteers:
Scheduled:
Volunteers in these categories, sign on to regularly work a certain shift over a set period of time which can extend to an ongoing basis. Volunteers may express interest in more than one category.
Visitor Experience Volunteers are needed to welcome members and guests, and orient them with the current exhibition layout and special areas of interest within the collection. Visitor Experience Volunteers and Staff are often seen as the “face of the Biggs”. They greet visitors with a friendly approach and address any questions or concerns. They should be able to answer general questions on the museum, the collection, as well as the surrounding area attractions and points of interest. Volunteers are asked to maintain the gallery space during their shift. As needed, they will assist the front desk staff with check-in, gift shop sales, and membership services. They may occasionally be asked to assist with administrative duties, such as preparing mailings.
Volunteer shifts are available during typical operating hours Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM – 4 PM.
Docents will be trained to lead regular group tours of the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions. Docents will become knowledgeable of the museum’s history, collection of furniture, paintings, antiques, and silverware, in addition to special exhibitions. Select members from this group will be on call to lead booked group tours and school tours as scheduled. Docents must be comfortable with public speaking and working with diverse populations of all ages. The ideal candidates will have an engaging personality, a willingness to learn new material, reliability, and an interest in art and art history. Previous experience in art and art history not required.
As extensive training is needed for this position, it requires a minimum 6 month commitment.
Docent shifts are available during typical operating hours Wednesday through Sunday from 11 AM – 4 PM. On call education tours may occur on weekdays when the museum is not open to the public.
On Call:
We’re looking to build a roster of Volunteers who can step up to fill in on an as needed basis. Time commitment would be minimal, but there are plenty of exciting events to participate in to impact the community over time.
Program Volunteers are needed to be an extra set of hands in facilitating programming for both children and adults. These volunteers would not be leading the programs, but ensuring they run smoothly by assisting with set-up, check-in, the program, and clean-up. Programs can range from children’s crafts to adult hands-on creative projects and lectures. Program Volunteers should be willing to roll up their sleeves and participate, and must be able to lift 25 lbs unassisted.
Programs typically occur on the evenings and weekends.
Special Event Volunteers assist the Head of Visitor Experience and Membership Services with opening receptions, festivals and private events. At on-site events, volunteers would help with tabling and overall set up of food and drinks; greet guests and address any concerns in the duration of the special event. After the event, volunteers are asked to aid in guest check out and assist in restoring the cleanliness and layout of the typical museum space.
At offsite events, volunteers would act as a representative of the Biggs to discuss the current and upcoming happenings at the museum. They may also be asked to facilitate simple hands-on crafts or collect contact information from booth visitors. Volunteers would be expected to assist with the set up and break down of the booth or table. Program Volunteers should be willing to roll up their sleeves and participate. The ideal special events volunteer would be approachable and engaging.
Special Events typically occur on the evenings and weekends, but there is occasionally the need for assistance at offsite events and festivals on weekdays.
Special Skills Volunteers Do you have any trade skills like building, painting or electrical, or creative skills like photography, videography, set design or even language translation that you’re passionate about? Let us know! We are always open to enhancing the museum in unique ways and building a capable team with diverse expertise. Tell us what you can do!
Internship Opportunities
The Biggs Museum of American Art offers internships in a variety of areas throughout the year in both a Curatorial/Education track and a Marketing/Development track. Descriptions of each track are listed below. Internships are unpaid but can be structured to fit within requirements for class credit. Interns are provided day-to-day tasks and develop a culminating project that centers around the curatorial, educational, marketing, and development of an exhibition, with special emphasis on an area of the intern’s choosing.
Please check back frequently for available internship opportunities!