Guided Visit Leader
Volunteer Information
Do you enjoy interacting with the public?
Do you have an interest in Visual Art?
Do you have leadership or teaching experience?
Are you looking for a creative learning opportunity?
Would you like to learn new skills to interpret and engage with Visual Art?
The Contemporary Art gallery is looking for volunteer guided visit leaders to assist in the operation of the Contemporary Art Gallery’s public education program by giving guided visits to scheduled groups; to introduce Gallery exhibitions to a wide variety of interest groups and to enhance the viewing and interpretative experience of gallery visitors.
This program provides volunteers with an opportunity to contribute to the community, develop teaching and public speaking skills and to learn more and engage with contemporary art.
Orientation and Training:
• Program overview and training provided by Education Programmer
• 12 week seminar in New Interpretive Methodologies
• Research materials provided
• Discussion with exhibiting artist or curator prior to each exhibition opening
Volunteer guided visit leaders conduct weekday and weekend guided visits of the current exhibition to various groups, including: primary and secondary schools, art schools, college/university groups, ESL, community groups and the general public.
New volunteer leaders will be participants in an upcoming 12 week seminar series, will attend brainstorming meetings with gallery staff, will meet with exhibiting artists and be provided with research materials and information. This program of ongoing orientation and training will provide the necessary support and access to learning opportunities to volunteer leaders.
The volunteer commitment is a minimum of one year and must have an availability to lead 2-3 visits per exhibition.
Tasks and responsibilities:
• Lead guided visits of current exhibition to various groups, including: primary and secondary schools, art schools, college/university groups, ESL and community groups
• Attend brainstorming meetings with gallery staff
• Answer questions about exhibition and gallery
• Must learn about current exhibition, as well as recent and upcoming programming
• Work with the Education Programmer to prepare guided visit scripts and activities
• Conduct outreach activities by disseminating information about CAG tour offerings to various target groups
Commitment and Schedule:
• Minimum 1 year commitment
• Must be available to lead at least 2 – 3 guided visits per exhibition schedule, plus preparation (tours are 30 minutes to 1 hour in length)
• Must attend the brainstorming session with staff prior to exhibition opening
Benefits to Volunteer:
• Opportunity to contribute to community, develop teaching and programming skills
• Ongoing support and learning opportunities
• One free gallery publication and a member’s discount on all publications
• Reference letter after a minimum of 96 hours of volunteer service
• Complimentary membership
• Access to University level seminar
Those with experience or an interest in Visual art and education are encouraged to apply.
Skills and Qualifications:
• Knowledge of contemporary visual arts
• Excellent communication skills; outgoing; organized; enjoys working with the public
• Courteous and professional
• English proficiency, other languages an asset
• Teaching and/or public speaking experience is an asset
To apply please email your resume and a cover letter by January 31, 2010 stating your interest in the position and relative experience to info@contemporaryartgallery.ca
