NOMA | New Orleans Museum of Art

New docent class forming now! Course begins September 24.

How to apply
Download the Docent Application and return it to education@noma.org or to New Orleans Museum of Art, Attn: IAE, P.O. Box 19123, New Orleans, LA 70179.

Are you interested in having an active role at the New Orleans Museum of Art? Consider becoming a docent. The New Orleans Museum of Art’s Department of Interpretation and Audience Engagement is currently accepting applications for a new class of docents. Please review the following information carefully before submitting an application.

What is a docent?
NOMA docents are dedicated volunteers who engage visitors and facilitate learning. Docents lead scheduled tours for museum visitors of all ages. Docents are at the heart of the museum experience and form an important link between the public and museum collections.

Who should apply to become a docent?
The docent program strives to include people who represent the diversity of the greater New Orleans area and nearby communities. Adults of all ages and from all backgrounds are invited to become docents.
Candidates demonstrate a love of learning about other cultures, historical periods, artworks and artists.
Prior background in the arts or public speaking is not necessary. Volunteers should be prepared to make a two-year commitment upon completion of the program.

What are the docent training requirements?
Docents receive a comprehensive training course and learn about all aspects of the museum’s permanent collection. Docent training includes classes and workshops in theories of teaching and learning, museum education, art history, methods of interpretation, and touring techniques. Classes meet weekly from September 2012 to May 2013, excluding holidays. Following the initial training year, continuing education on the history of NOMA, the museum’s permanent collections and special exhibitions for all docents is offered monthly during the academic year. Out-of-class work such as readings and tour development will be required. Docents are expected to attend the entire training course in order to insure thorough preparation for touring.

What are the benefits of becoming a docent at NOMA?

• Satisfaction from sharing your interest in art with museum visitors.
• Active involvement with the museum and its staff.
• Opportunities to work and socialize with others who share a common interest.
• Lectures by museum curators, visiting scholars and artists.
• Unlimited free admission to the museum and a discount in the Museum Shop and Café NOMA.

How are docents selected?
First complete the Docent Application available online or by request through the mail. Return the completed form by mail, fax or email to the Department of Interpretation and Audience Engagement by September 10, 2012. A NOMA representative will contact you for an interview. The number of docents selected for each training class varies depending upon the needs of the museum. If you would like more information, please contact the Department of Interpretation and Audience Engagement at 504-658-4128 or education@noma.org.