Docents

APPLY HERE

Or for information on the Speed’s Docent program, contact Julie Tallent at jtallent@speedmuseum.org.

WE LOVE OUR SPEED DOCENTS!

Docents are trained volunteers and Speed Art Museum advocates who welcome Museum guests of all ages through experiences such as tours for students, families, and adults; interactions in the galleries; and programs that help visitors connect with artwork in the Speed’s galleries through an engaging dialogue.

  • We seek docent applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences.
  • Docents are trained volunteers and Speed Art Museum advocates who welcome Museum guests of all ages through experiences such as tours for students, families, and adults; interactions in the galleries; and programs that help visitors connect with artwork in the Speed’s galleries through an engaging dialogue.
  • Participation in the Speed’s docent program is a rewarding and enriching experience.

Docent qualifications include

  • Welcoming personality, docents relate well to guests of all ages.
  • Excellent communication skills, docents encourage curiosity by creating fun, memorable engagement for students and guests.
  • Strong interest in the visual arts, equity, and community.
  • Willingness to invite everyone to celebrate art forever.
  • Professional attitude toward fellow docents, staff, and museum guests.
  • Prompt attendance at all training sessions, meetings, and tours.

 Time commitment

  • Anyone accepted to the Speed’s Active Docent Corps will be expected to attend two museum training sessions per month from September 2023—May 2024.  Most training sessions will be in person with some virtual sessions, optional bonus sessions may be scheduled.

Benefits

  • Free parking in the Museum garage. Docents can obtain a validation ticket from Security when they sign in for training or tours.
  • After an Active Docent has given 5 tours, they will be rewarded with a free Speed membership.  The membership will be for an individual plus one guest.
  • Docent social and museum events include special training from the Speed’s curatorial staff, and other educational opportunities such as visits to the University of Louisville, other museums, and artists’ studios.

Note: There is no financial obligation required or expected from docents.

Docent trip to UofL’s printmaking studio.