Volunteering and Docents

When you donate your time and talents to Phoenix Art Museum, you make a significant impact on our shared community. Whether you’re an art lover, an educator, or simply a dedicated member of the public, we offer a variety of ways that you can help us further our mission of cultivating greater access to the arts and arts education.

If you have a passion for art and serving our community through engaging conversations with visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, we’d love to meet you.

What is a Docent?

A Docent is a museum volunteer who helps connect visitors with the collection and exhibitions of Phoenix Art Museum. Docents provide opportunities for Museum visitors to engage, interpret, and create personal connections with art.

What will I do as a Docent?

As a Docent, you have the opportunity to:

• Lead Museum tours for adult and school groups
• Present interactive talks about art to schools, community centers, or senior living centers
• Assist visitors, Docents, and Museum staff in the Lemon Art Research Library

Why should I become a Docent?

As a Docent, you have the opportunity to:

• Access exclusive lectures by artists and curators, gallery and exhibition previews, and other arts and education programming through bimonthly Docent Continuing Education events
• Engage with the broader Phoenix community, both in and outside the Museum
• Complete a thorough, comprehensive, and personally enriching Docent training program focused on art and cultural history, arts education, and the Phoenix Art Museum collection
• Become a part of the vibrant, diverse, and service-oriented community of Docents

How long is the training, and do I need previous experience?

The PhxArt Docent Training Program is a 9-12 month program, covering topics such as art history, audience engagement, research techniques, and everything Docents need to know about Phoenix Art Museum and its collection. Trainees do not need a background in art, art history, or teaching to participate. All Docent trainees complete a foundational course, after which they enroll in one or more service modules, which will train them to give public tours, student tours, or offsite talks.

How do I join?

Art-lovers of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds are welcome in our Docent community! For next steps or more information, contact our Education Department at education@phxart.org.

**We are currently pausing the intake of new volunteers until the new year. If you are interested in being a volunteer, please email volunteer@phxart.org and your information will be kept on file.**

Volunteers are the heart and soul of our Museum, helping us bring the joy of art to our entire community. We offer a range of opportunities:

Volunteer Opportunities

Special Exhibitions
Answer questions and help guests in the galleries, organize school groups, and take tickets. Shifts: mornings, afternoons, and evenings on Wednesdays through Sundays.

Films at the Museum
Welcome attendees and hand out information about future films and other Museum programs.

Administrative and Lemon Art Research Library Offices
Answer phones, manage mailings, help with data entry or filing, and more. Shifts: Monday through Friday, between 8:30 am and 5 pm, for three to four hours.

Become a Volunteer

Are you ready to join the Phoenix Art Museum family? Contact volunteer@phxart.org.

Contact Us

E-mail: volunteer@phxart.org

Phone: 602.257.4356

Mail: Education Department
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004-1685