CANCELLED – VisArts Call for Gallery Guide Applications, Summer 2020

**Due to COVID19 lockdowns, we are cancelling the call for gallery guide applications for summer 2020. We hope to reopen the call for the fall semester and, if we do reopen, fall application should be open by July or August.***

For Summer 2020, VisArts is seeking volunteer gallery guides to lead tours and have casual conversations about the artwork in the galleries. Gallery guides will gain skills in public speaking, audience engagement, researching artwork, and interpreting and analyzing contemporary art. Additionally, gallery guides will be trained and have the opportunity to apply museum and art education strategies during gallery tours while increasing their knowledge of contemporary art. Other benefits include opportunities to earn credit toward art classes at VisArts, attend monthly professional development meetings, and gain behind-the-scenes access to the galleries.

VisArts is a non-profit organization with the mission of transforming individuals through the visual arts. VisArts has seven artist studios, four art galleries, and additional art spaces and programs dedicated to contemporary art. Our exhibitions rotate every 6 – 8 weeks and are frequently reviewed in the Washington Post! Enjoy excellent contemporary art without having to go to Washington, DC!

We are located in Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD, a short walk from the Rockville Metro Station on the Red Line. The galleries are open on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and on Fridays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This opportunity is open to all adults, ages 18+. 

Application Deadline: Monday, April 20th at 9:00 AM

Gallery guide responsibilities include:

• Volunteer for at least one two-hour shift per week
• Attend three training sessions in May (see dates below)
• Attend three monthly professional development meetings between June and August
• Lead tours of the galleries and artist studio spaces
• Engage in casual conversations with visitors in the galleries about the artwork on view
• Monitor the galleries
• Independently research the rotating exhibitions and studio artists

Qualifications:

• Commit to at least one shift per week
• Must be mature, reliable, responsible, friendly, personable and punctual
• Good communication skills
• Comfortable speaking in front of an audience
• A passion for talking about art
• Willing to learn about contemporary art

Important Dates (subject to change pending COVID-19 updates): ***CANCELLED**

• April 20: Applications are due
• April 20 – May 9: In-person interviews on weekends
• May 11: Notice of acceptance
• May 16, 23, 20: Three weekend training sessions, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
• June 3 – August 9: Duration of the session
• Monthly Meetings will be based on majority gallery guide availability

To be considered, applicants will need to fill out an application form (below), and provide a resume, a cover letter explaining why this opportunity interests you and how you meet the requirements, and contact information for two professional references, each to be submitted with the form.

To complete the application form, click on the “GALLERY GUIDE APPLICATION” button, below.

For questions, e-mail VisArtsGalleryTours@gmail.com