Getting Involved

Friends of the Institute Founded in 1922, the Friends is one of the oldest and largest volunteer organizations in American art museums. Members sponsor monthly free lectures, contribute to the education programs of the Institute, and provide a variety of other services (see Volunteer Programs below). All members of the Institute are invited to become members of the Friends. Call (612) 870-3045.   Docent Program The Institute offers a two-year volunteer study course to train people in leading tours of the museum's permanent collections and special exhibitions. Docents who complete the program are asked to give 40 tours per year for a minimum of three years. A college degree or college-level coursework and/or art history classes are highly recommended but not required. Call the Tours office for further information and applications. (612) 870-3013.   Collection in Focus Guides The Institute offers a twelve week training course to volunteers interested in leading evening and weekend tours of a specific area of the museum's permanent collection. This program involves a fifteen month commitment. Working in partnership with community leaders and organizations like Celebration of Life/Black Renaissance, the Chinese American Association of Minnesota, and the American Indian Learning Resource Center, the participants in this program represent the richness of many of the Twin Cities' diverse cultures and communities. Call the Department of Museum Guide Programs for further information and applications. (612) 870-3013   Art Adventure Guides The Institute offers a six-month training course to volunteers interested in leading Art Adventure tours, which are thematic tours designed for children in grades K-6. This program involves a three-year commitment. Candidates should possess communication skills, enthusiasm for art and a desire to work with young people. Call the Tours office for further information and applications. (612) 870-3013.   Internships The Minneapolis Institute of Arts offers many volunteer internships- ranging from one to twelve months in length and up to forty hours a week- in each of the museum's divisions: Curatorial, Education, Marketing and Communications, and Development. For specific information about internship possibilities and application information, individuals considering or pursuing careers in museum work should call Treden Wagoner, Intern Coordinator at (612) 870-3189 or send email to twagoner@artsmia.org.   Volunteer Programs Volunteer opportunities for members include hospitality for special events, library assistance, the Volunteer Speakers Bureau, special projects (such as Art in Bloom and fashion benefits), support services, and Visitor Information Center assistance. Call the Friends office at (612) 870-3045 or the Visitor Information Center at (612) 870-3131.   Family Center Instructor Program The Institute offers a 20-hour training program that prepares weekend volunteers for interpreting museum objects and teaching art activities in the Family Center, a place where museum-goers can relax and learn during their visit. The Family Center has special exhibits just for kids, children's books, interactive computers, and drop-in art activities for the whole family. Volunteers are required to make a 14 month commitment to the program and do not need an art background, just a desire to learn. To receive an application, please call the Public Programs Office at (612) 870-3207.   Employment Opportunities Internal and external job listings are posted in the museum itself and a Job Information Line with a taped message can be reached at (612) 870-3239. The Human Resources office can be reached at (612) 870-3014. Job openings are also available online Call toll-free at (888) MIA-ARTS (642-2787) Send us your comments.