Oct. 2 the deadline for applications
The Ringling museum, located on Bay Shore Road in Sarasota, is recruiting new volunteer guides to lead tours of the art collection, its staff has announced.
“Guides make the museum accessible and engaging for The Ringling’s diverse audiences by facilitating tours, conversations and other activities,” a news release explains. The Ringling will host an open house on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. for potential applicants to learn more about the program and the application process, the release adds.
The deadline to apply is Oct. 2; training will begin in January 2024.
“Ringling guides are provided with comprehensive information on the collections and are also trained in how to successfully deliver content to visitors,” the release points out.
“The museum’s guide recruitment and training protocol has been significantly revised to increase flexibility and better accommodate the varied schedules of volunteers, including students and those who work full time,” the release adds. “Weekly training sessions will take place on either Tuesdays or Saturdays,” it notes, with guides able to pick which day of the week works best for them.
Guides also can choose from two different training tracks, “depending on their preference and availability,” the release says. The first track, which takes eight weeks to complete, focuses on gallery teaching and facilitating conversations with specific artworks, “equipping guides to lead a general overview tour of The Ringling’s art collection,” the release points out. “The second track is spread out over 12 months and prepares guides to lead tours throughout the entire Museum of Art.”
Potential volunteers who are interested in learning more about the position are encouraged to attend the Sept. 9 open house or visit the museum’s website, the release adds. Those ready to apply may submit an application online at www.ringling.org.