No. You don’t need a background in art or education to become a volunteer at the Georgia Museum of Art. We welcome everyone who’s willing to give their time to support our mission, providing all the training and support you need to feel prepared.
Volunteer at Museum in Athens
Help Move Art Forward
Give Time, Gain Meaning
Volunteer With Purpose
The Georgia Museum of Art is free to visit, but it isn’t free to run. Without the generosity of our neighbors willing to volunteer at a museum in Athens, we wouldn’t be able to bring more art — and more wonder — to more people. Learn more about our community docent program and about general volunteer opportunities.
Community Docents
Turn Your Passion Into Impact
Docents guide engaging, conversation-based tours that help visitors of all ages connect with art personally, inspiring conversation — not just observation.
No Experience Required
If you’re curious, kind and eager to learn, our staff will give you everything you need to lead confidently through hands-on practice and ongoing support.
Grow With Us
This volunteer program begins each August and requires a two-year commitment, leading 12 tours annually to build not only skill but community.
Community Docents
Volunteer docents at the Georgia Museum of Art provide public and private tours of the museum’s permanent collection and traveling exhibitions. Their work directly benefits the University of Georgia by furthering its mission to support and promote teaching, research and service. The program serves to educate Georgians and create dynamic museum experiences for all visitors.
Commitment requirements:
- Two years of service
- Annual museum membership
- Attend most docent education meetings each semester
- Lead at least 5 or 6 tours each semester
Benefits to being a community docent:
- Continued education in art history and studio art
- Access to the docent lounge and object files
- Exhibition catalogues and other training materials
- Participation in the docent book club
- Attending appreciation luncheons each semester
- Sharing your passion for art
- Meeting museum visitors of all ages
- Helping the museum with community engagement
Volunteers
Show Your Love for Art
Our volunteers serve as ambassadors of the museum, welcoming visitors and making them feel at home.
Flexible Hours and Opportunities
You can volunteer on a regular schedule or just for a day. We’re happy to work with you to create the right opportunity.
Service in the Arts
Volunteering at the museum is a great way to give back and meet new people.
volunteer program
The Georgia Museum of Art’s volunteer program welcomes individuals who are enthusiastic about art, community engagement and creating a warm and inclusive environment for all visitors. This program is separate from the museum’s community docent corps and focuses on flexible, service-oriented opportunities that help advance the museum’s mission. Volunteers assist with public programs, visitor experience, behind-the-scenes tasks and special projects.
Our volunteers serve as ambassadors of the museum, helping us ensure that every visitor feels welcomed, supported and inspired. Whether you enjoy greeting guests, preparing materials for statewide outreach, supporting wellness programs or assisting in the galleries, there is a place for you in this vibrant community. The museum welcomes University of Georgia students from all majors, members of the Athens community, retirees, working adults and anyone excited to contribute to the arts.
Please note: We do not accept court-ordered volunteers.
Eligibility
To join the volunteer program, individuals must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be interested in supporting visitors, staff and the museum community
- Be willing to learn, listen and work alongside people of all backgrounds
- Be comfortable engaging in friendly, open-minded interactions
- Commit to positive, helpful and service-oriented communication
- Complete a brief volunteer application, required onboarding and background check
- For ongoing roles: be available for regularly scheduled shifts
Make
More Art
Possible
Your support doesn’t just bring exhibitions to life — it fosters connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Art invites all hearts, welcoming every story, every step, every moment of wonder.
If you are not a student but are looking to volunteer at a museum in Athens, we welcome you. The Georgia Museum of Art invites people of all ages and backgrounds to donate their time to our mission, sharing more art with more people to inspire curiosity and connection across cultures and generations. Whether you’re looking to develop a new skill set or simply to give back to our community, there’s a place for you here where you can make an impact.
Our volunteer positions are unpaid, but they offer invaluable experiences and connections. If you’re interested in exploring paid opportunities at the Georgia Museum of Art, consider applying for an internship or exploring careers as a student guide or gallery teacher. From graphic design to nonprofit financials, we offer a variety of roles that support our mission and your professional growth while providing financial compensation.
For individuals looking to volunteer at a museum in Athens, the Georgia Museum of Art offers a variety of roles where you can develop new skills, share your passion and make an impact — no prior experience required. We devote time to supporting our community docents, from preparing for their first tour to leading their last.
This program starts in August and requires a two-year commitment, during which you will lead 12 tours each year. During the spring and fall semesters, you’ll attend continuing education meetings on two Monday mornings per month.
You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the museum’s collection and current exhibitions, and you’ll develop your abilities to engage visitors of all ages. Our team is here to support you, whether you’re interested in this opportunity because you’re constantly curious or looking to practice your public speaking and teaching skills in a creative environment.