What are the responsibilities and job description for the Docent position at The Barnes Foundation?
Docent Program at the Barnes Foundation
About the Program
The Docent Program began in 1999 to advance the educational goals of the Barnes Foundation and to serve the needs and interests of our visitors, creating welcoming and informative educational experiences in our galleries. Docents lead a variety of tours – onsite and virtual - about our collection and special exhibitions.
Docent applicants undergo extensive, rigorous training to learn the highest standards of content and presentation. Those wishing to volunteer should have excellent communication skills. They must be comfortable working and communicating with people of all backgrounds. Docents should be well-prepared, dependable and punctual.
The Barnes is looking for docent applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life. No formal art background necessary. A passion for art and desire to learn are required. The next docent class is tentatively scheduled for mid-late 2022.
To become a docent at the Barnes Foundation, you must complete the following application for the docent training program. Please see the information below to see if you are qualified to apply at this time and able to commit to all obligations required of the Barnes Foundation’s docents.
Barnes Foundation Gallery Docent Obligations
All accepted applicants for the docent program are required to attend a six-month training practicum to learn the art aesthetic theories of Dr. Barnes, the history of art as it applies to the collection, presentation skills, and research techniques. Training classes are held weekly on Saturday mornings. Volunteering in the docent program requires a high degree of motivation and dedication, and a minimum commitment to providing at least 60 hours of volunteer service per year for at least three years. The experience is highly rewarding.
Application Qualifications:
Beyond the completion of the docent practicum, the docent training program requires the successful enrollment/completion of the following courses at the Barnes Foundation. You can take these courses during docent training at no cost to you.
- Elements of Art course (1 semester course)
- Traditions course (1 semester course)
- 1 materials and techniques short course
- 2 Art History/ art in context short courses
Other Requirements:
- Participate in continuing education and training sessions; attend docent meetings
- Possess basic computer skills
- Have a valid email address with reliable access to the Internet
- Successfully complete a criminal background check
- Be able to conduct one-hour tours without using notes
- Submission of an application
