Landmarks Docents are a group of dedicated students and volunteers who lead tours of Landmarks public art. They contribute time, energy, and ideas to make the Landmarks collection accessible to the university community and to campus visitors.
Tours led by docents offer insight into Landmarks projects and build awareness about modern and contemporary art. While leading tours, docents provide a brief orientation to artists and works in the collection. Docents also answer questions that visitors may have.
Volunteer docents develop reading, research, and critical skills through a series of training sessions that are conducted periodically. These sessions enable docents to become effective communicators and successful educators.
Join the Landmarks Docents to learn about some of the most important artistic trends of our time and to meet people who share a passion for art. By introducing the general public and student groups to Landmarks projects located throughout the main campus, docents enhance their engagement with great works of art and refine their analytic and public speaking skills. Ensuring all visitors have an enjoyable and enriching experience is the docents’ primary goal.
Rewards
- Specialized training about Landmarks projects.
- A continuing education in modern and contemporary art.
- A docent course of study that develops reading, research, and analytic skills.
- The opportunity to become a more effective communicator and successful educator.
- Connections with others who share an interest in art.
- Access to Landmarks lectures and special events.
Commitment
Docents contribute an average of 1-2 hours of service per week. This time includes training, preparation, meetings and tours. Successful docents develop the ability to speak eloquently about works of art and must be willing to spend time learning about the Landmarks collection. In addition, docents must also make a commitment to attend monthly docent meetings and present assigned research for discussion with the group.
Responsibilities
- Plan, practice and implement guided tours of Landmarks projects.
- Creatively prepare for each tour by using the docent website and reading complementary educational materials.
- Learn the Landmarks tour routes.
- Actively engage groups of 5-20 visitors.
- Continually evaluate and refine touring techniques.
- Attend and keep informed about docent meetings, tours and training sessions.
- Keep informed of upcoming projects and special events.
- Become familiar with policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Strong communication skills, friendly, resourceful, flexible, reliable, and comfort interacting with visitors of all ages.
- An interest in learning about modern and contemporary art.
- Students with a background in art and art history are encouraged to apply.
Apply
- Review the time commitments, responsibilities, and qualifications for Landmarks Docents.
- Fill out our online application here. Contact info@landmarksut.org with general questions about the docent program.
- Applications will be reviewed and a Landmarks staff member will arrange personal interviews with volunteer candidates.