Volunteer Opportunities

The Ryan Learning Center is currently accepting applications for our winter training cohort. Volunteers should be available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, or weekends to greet student groups and assist visitors in the Art Exchange. We are especially seeking volunteers available during the day on Wednesdays.

Please keep in mind that all volunteers must attend two onsite, half-day training sessions and one onsite, role-specific session.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at museum-volunteers@artic.edu. 

Our Volunteer Program

The Volunteer Program activates the Ryan Learning Center, primarily supporting programs and spaces for young people and the adults connected to them. The program centers the unique and evolving needs of students and teachers, as well as general visitors, and ensures that the museum is in the best position to fulfill its mission.

Our Volunteers

Volunteers are ambassadors of the Art Institute of Chicago who strive to deliver exceptional service and help to create a welcoming environment. The Art Institute is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We are looking for volunteers who share that passion and help us reflect the wide range of people and communities we serve.

Our volunteers are:

• Strong supporters of the museum’s mission and its educational approach
• Enthusiastic about working with the public
• Warm and welcoming to visitors of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities
• Able to assess a visitor’s needs and interests through conversation
• Collaborative and flexible
• Interested in learning and supporting the learning of others
• Have the ability to embrace all participants’ culturally grounded experiences
• Being bilingual or multilingual is a bonus.

Currently, we are looking for:

• Student Experience Volunteers to support K–12 student group experiences, ensure that all students feel welcome in the museum, and provide information to teachers.
• Art Exchange Volunteers to be stationed in our public learning space, the Art Exchange. These volunteers welcome visitors and orient them to the range of artmaking and participatory experiences available.  
• Gallery Volunteers who can engage with visitors in the galleries, spark conversation about works of art, and answer questions that visitors have about the museum.
• Special Projects Volunteers to help staff create supplies for our Artist’s Studio, support special events, and assist on other projects. 

Our Expectations

Virtual Meeting

• After receiving your application we will arrange a virtual meeting to talk about your interests, what roles are available, and the overall scope of the volunteer program.

Training

• Foundational Training: A three-hour introduction to the program and the museum covering topics including the foundation of the program and volunteer expectations.
• Asynchronous Online Training Sessions: These trainings will cover safety and security, working with minors, and guest engagement and can be completed at your own pace.
• Role-specific training: A three-hour session with other new volunteers from your particular cohort.
• Shadowing Day: One shift of active training in your role.
• Supplemental training: At various times in the year, you’ll participate in additional trainings on equity and inclusion, security, and other special topics.
  

 Shifts

• On-site volunteers are active Wednesday–Monday (the museum is closed to the public on Tuesdays). 
• Hours vary depending on role. We encourage one shift per weekday, or one shift every other weekend day, but a volunteer who is a substitute has more flexibility.

Our passion is to exceed visitor expectations, delivering a memorable experience that supports the finest museum in the world. Volunteers are ambassadors of the Art Institute of Chicago who strive to deliver exceptional customer service and help to create a welcoming environment. The Art Institute is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We are looking for volunteers who share that passion and to help us reflect the wide range of people and communities we serve.