Are you interested in art volunteer opportunities near you that are meaningful, rewarding, and fun? As a volunteer with the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA), you’ll be part of the magic that brings creativity into our world, whether you’re helping with exhibitions and events or welcoming guests and inspiring budding makers and thinkers.
OMA’s volunteer art opportunities are available for teens, seniors, students, and any appreciative art lover who wants to give back, learn new skills, and network within one of Orlando’s diverse arts communities. Read on to learn how to get involved at OMA.
Why Become an Art Volunteer at OMA?
Volunteering at OMA fuses your passion for culture with personal betterment. You’ll connect with others, learn from working artists and museum professionals, and gain real-world experience within a supportive environment.
Along the way, you’ll enhance your communication, customer service, teamwork, and leadership abilities, all of which are transferable skills for school, work, and life. Volunteers add to the atmosphere of OMA’s offerings and activities, ensuring patrons from throughout Central Florida have the best time possible.
Beyond important skill sets, being part of OMA is being part of a creative community. With rotating exhibitions, public programming and special initiatives, there’s always something going on here, and you’re likely to get an insider’s peek at how it all comes to be.
Many of our volunteers share that they enjoy the sense of purpose, friendships developed, and investment in an educational institution that champions access and belonging. If you’re seeking art volunteer opportunities in Orlando that offer more than just something to put on a resume, OMA provides a friendly atmosphere to do so.
Types of Art Volunteer Positions at OMA
There are many types of volunteer art opportunities at OMA, like helping out with special events, providing docent tours, and assisting in guest services, depending upon your interest and availability. No prior museum experience is required. Training and ongoing support will be provided.
- Special Events: Check in guests, assist with registration, and support gallery-based activities and flow during exhibition openings, fundraisers and community celebrations.
- Docents: Become a volunteer gallery guide that leads tours and helps visitors appreciate art. You’ll receive training that includes education on the museum, exhibitions, and facilitation.
- Education Support: Support art-making activities during classes, seasonal art camps, and family days. An ideal position for those wishing to work with children and families.
- Shop OMA & Guest Services: Welcome guests, answer inquiries, support the museum shop, and help out at the welcome desk for an inviting experience.
- Internships (Students): Participate in professional development within a museum environment. Learn about arts administration, education efforts, and exhibition support.
Feel free to engage with current exhibitions before or after your shift. Oftentimes, volunteers let us know that staying connected to what’s on view allows them to welcome guests even better and give relevant information.
Art Community Service Opportunities for Teens (16+)
OMA is a great place to acquire community service hours and special extracurricular activities! Teens over the age of 16 get resume-ready experience in a museum setting for art teaching careers (teaching and working with the public) and arts education (teaching arts techniques).
The staff at OMA are supportive, fostering a like-minded community where any project you pursue will have real, tangible, hands-on connections to translating art back to the community outside of museum walls.
Education Programs
Assist the teacher during OMA’s art classes, youth art programs, summer camps, and family art programs! You’ll help by preparing materials, assisting hands-on with projects, conducting basic demonstrations, and helping families navigate awareness of the studio space. This is ideal for a creative mind who loves working with children and wants in-classroom, hands-on experience.
Internships
Teens over 16 who want to work in a museum can apply for internships which teach various approaches to day-to-day museum functioning, including education, interacting with patrons, marketing, or assisting with exhibitions. Museum operation experience includes program development, arts administration, and curatorial practices.
Special Events
Be part of OMA’s events staff! Provide support by checking in guests and setting up signage and activity stations during exhibition openings and community events. This is for the high-energy teen who likes working in bustling situations: greeting guests, answering quick questions, or assisting with active art-making tables. A great option for developing social and customer service skills.
When you’re ready to apply to start volunteering, visit OMA’s volunteer page and make sure to note your area of interest in your application!
Art Volunteer Opportunities for Adults
Many OMA volunteers are retirees or adults looking to give back, share their life experiences, learn something new and engage with a flexible, social opportunity. Whether you’re available once a week or a few times a month, a flexible schedule can match your needs.
Docent Program
The docents host interactive dialogue-driven tours designed to connect guests with the artwork on view. The training program is thorough and engaging with dedicated time to art/museum study. As exhibitions have new works on rotation, docents stay apprised of the current art exhibitions, practicing facilitation methods based on inquiry and discussion.
Special Events
Help facilitate all of OMA’s events: signing in guests, facilitating gallery flow and audience engagement, or staffing an information table. Events are enjoyable ways to meet people, learn about different artists, and add to camaraderie. If you prefer a bustling environment and meeting new people, this is for you!
Guest Services
Be a welcoming face at the front desk and gift shop. Answer questions, provide directional assistance, and help guests plan their visits. Are you interested in learning something new while volunteering at OMA? Check out adult art programs or learn about OMA’s community access initiatives designed to welcome everyone regardless of ability.
How to Apply to be an Art Volunteer at OMA
It’s easy to get started:
- Visit OMA’s volunteer page to learn more about current needs.
- Fill out the volunteer application specifying areas of interest (events/docents/education assistance/guest services/internship possibilities).
- Attend orientation training and join any pre-established schedule that works for you!
If you’re seeking credit for service hours, let us know in your application so we can direct you down the best path. Contact the museum if you have questions about scheduling, accessibility, or matching a role to your interests. The OMA team is here to help!
Make a Difference in Orlando’s Arts Community
Volunteers help make OMA an inviting space where everyone feels welcome and inspired! If you care about art, people, and your community, there’s a role waiting for you here. When you’re ready to get involved with OMA, please submit your volunteer application. Your time and talents will support meaningful experiences for neighbors, visitors, and future artists across Central Florida.
