Docent Candidate Training Commitments and Requirements
Candidate Requirements
• Attend weekly trainings from September 2023 through August 2024 (excluding holidays- no training in December)
• Work with a docent mentor and shadow docent-led tours
• Complete assignments related to the training program
• Be subject to periodic review by the museum’s L&I staff
• Commit to two years of active touring upon completion of the training program
• Become a Member of the Cincinnati Art Museum*
• Sign a Cincinnati Art Museum Code of Ethics Policy
Candidate Specifications
• Accepts and respects all people regardless of their abilities, age, ethnicity, culture, gender, religion, or sexual orientation
• Open to learning new concepts and ideas
• Maintains a vested interest and enthusiasm for helping others learn
• Has access to the internet and able to check email and program website regularly
• Enjoys working with and learning from peers of all abilities, ages and cultures
• Able to effectively communicate and facilitate learning with audiences of all abilities, ages, and cultures
• Flexible with ever-changing circumstances
• Comfortable leading and participating in dialogue and group discussions
• Able to travel to and from the museum on a weekly basis
After successful completion of the training program, active docents continue their education of touring techniques as well as the collection and special exhibitions. On-going training consists of two meetings a month: an in-gallery workshop during museum hours and a lecture on a Monday afternoon or evening. In addition, there are optional workshops, day-trips, and other events for docents to further develop their skills and relationships with each other. In addition to becoming a member of the Art Museum, Docents pay annual dues of $30* to fund the needs of the Docent Advisory Council, which is the self-organized leadership group of the Docent Corps.
*All Docents must be members of the Cincinnati Art Museum and are required to pay dues to the Docent Advisory Council. Upon graduation to the docent program, docent candidates can receive 20% off an Individual membership for the first two years in the program.