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4420 Warwick Boulevard
Kansas City, MO 64111

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Kemper Museum is a free art museum in Kansas City, Missouri that presents global contemporary art.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art

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Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art acknowledges it resides on the ancestral territory of the Osage, Kaw, and Otoe-Missouria, among other tribal nations forcibly moved to the region such as the Shawnee, Wyandot, Delaware, Potawatomi, Sac and Fox and Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo) nations. We recognize and support the continued vibrancy of Native communities and cultures today who continue to thrive, as well as the inherent sovereignty of tribal nations. We are compelled to serve and advocate for these communities in accordance with our public mission.

Kemper Museum acknowledges and respects the diversity of Native people connected to this land today. Many recognize the land and all beings who live within it as relatives. We acknowledge the earth we inhabit, the waters of the Blue River, the Kansas River, the Missouri River, and the plants, animals, and people supported by them. 

We acknowledge our responsibility to be good caretakers of the land we occupy. 

Click here to learn more about our land acknowledgment process.

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Thank you for your interest in supporting Kemper Museum as a volunteer! The museum aims to build and support an inclusive and enriching volunteer program. We invite you to explore the volunteer roles in the Kemper Museum Volunteer Docent Program. 

Kemper Museum docents and volunteers encourage visitors to engage with contemporary art and ideas, creating a sense of belonging for people from all backgrounds. Kemper Museum docents and volunteers are:

Curious: the museum's exhibitions and visitors continually change! Our docents and volunteers love to learn new things and meet new people.

Flexible: contemporary artworks explore, question, and invent: our tours and public programs do the same. In order to be innovative, we take risks, keep a sense of humor, and appreciate the unknown.

Collaborative: working collaboratively is a key part of a docent’s role. Docents and volunteers listen with interest, accept diverse views and share their thoughts freely and respectfully.

Inclusive: docents and volunteers contribute to an environment that welcomes and includes people of all backgrounds, consistent with the museum’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

No art experience is required to become a volunteer, just genuine interest in contemporary art and ideas, enthusiasm for making connections with others, and willingness to learn. Training is offered for all roles. Questions? Contact tours@kemperart.org.

We offer trainings and monthly docent meetings at lunchtime hours, evenings and weekends. Active months in the docent program are September through November and January through June, with fewer activities during July, August and December. The monthly time commitments listed below pertain to our nine, active months; however, volunteers enjoy public engagement and learning opportunities year-round. 

young-visitors-guide

Young Visitors Guide

Young visitors guides are specialized volunteers who participate in the museum's child-centered approach to engaging kids and families.

A two-year minimum commitment, starting the month you are available for your first YVG opportunity in the docent volunteer portal.

Attendance at a minimum of four Monthly Docent Meetings per year.

Five (5) tours or more per quarter during the academic year, September through May, or a minimum of 15 tours per year. Availability if possible in June through August for summer tours and programs.

Hosting or co-hosting one Docent Study Group within every two-year period.

Regular participation in docent development opportunities, such as docent training sessions, artist talks, study groups, or other museum programs and events. Docents should expect to spend 8-10 hours per quarter committed to learning, including self study, prep, research and planning to be knowledgeable and prepared for tours, visitor engagement, and meetings.

Interviews with new volunteers will begin in May, and the next training program begins in the Summer 2024. Please submit your application and we will contact you to schedule an interview.

teen-and-adult-guide

Teen and Adult Guide

Teen and adult guides are volunteers who lead tours and engagement activities for middle, high school and university groups, community organizations, professionals, arts tourists, and the general public.

A two-year minimum commitment, from the month you are available for your first TAG opportunity in the docent volunteer portal.

Five (5) hours per quarter dedicated to leading tours or volunteering for other visitor engagement opportunities at the museum (Special Programs, Special Events) when they are available throughout the academic year, September through May. Availability if possible in June through August for summer tours and programs.

museum-engagment-vounteer

Museum Engagement Volunteer

Museum engagement volunteers greet the general public at the museum and create a sense of belonging for people of all ages and backgrounds.

A one-year minimum commitment, starting the month you are available for your first volunteer opportunity in the docent volunteer portal.

Two shifts or five (5) or more hours per month engaging the public or supporting public programs at the museum. This includes both MEV shifts at the desk and/or volunteering during special programs or events.

Attendance at a minimum of three docent meetings per year.

Attendance at a minimum of one quarterly MEV meeting per year.

One two-hour initial training session about works on permanent display, the Atrium Projects, and Kemper Museum’s values and visitor services operations.

Self-Study to prepare to engage visitors and share information about current exhibitions, artists, and atrium artworks.

Volunteering for More Than One Docent Role

Volunteers are welcome to apply for more than one of the engagement roles listed above. Performing two Kemper Museum volunteer roles will lead to an increase in your overall time commitment. If you are accepted and trained for two roles, some of your Preparation commitments (such as docent meetings) will overlap. Engagement time commitments (such as tours) will remain separate for each role.

In addition to the training and volunteer shifts, Kemper Museum Docent Program offers opportunities for all volunteers to build community and learn about art! These may include book clubs, arts-related outings, special speakers, and social events organized for and/or by museum volunteers.

We are grateful for the highly motivated volunteers who serve as docents! The Kemper Museum Docent and Volunteer Program is supported by the Family of Mary Beth Smith.