Volunteer Opportunities

The Tampa Museum of Art receives tremendous support for programs and events as well as departmental assistance from its volunteer corps. Dedicated community volunteers support the museum and its mission by contributing thousands of hours each year. There are many volunteer programs available at TMA. Click here to download a volunteer application form.

Program Volunteers
The museum’s programming department welcomes students who require service hours for school, and community members who have an interest in sharing their love of art with others. Assistance is needed with monthly programs and events, including Saturday programs, annual art camps, and community festivals.

Docent Program
Tampa Museum of Art volunteer Docents are considered members of the museum family. The word Docent comes from the Latin word docere, which means to lead or teach. In museum practice today, the word has come to represent a vital link between a work of art and the visitor experience. TMA Docents possess an enthusiasm for art and interest in educating the public about art. Docents have a love of art and desire to share their enthusiasm with others. TMA staff will familiarize Docents with the museum and provide training on age-appropriate tour techniques, inquiry methods and gallery activities. To become a museum Docent, contact Dawn Johnson at 813.421.8372 or by e-mail at dawn.johnson@tampamuseum.org.

Teen Volunteer / Internship Program
The Tampa Museum of Art’s volunteer/internship program for teens is aimed to provide opportunities for students who are looking to fulfill high school community service credit or academic service hours. Interns will gain an understanding of museum functions through direct participation in educational programs and special events.

All candidate interns will go through an interview process where credit requirements, interest, and availability will be discussed. If the internship is for academic credit, the intern should review the museum application and secure all approvals with their academic advisor or school counselor prior to the interview at TMA.

Applicants are required to complete an internship application form that can be mailed to the museum or e-mailed to Dawn Johnson, deputy director of programming, at dawn.johnson@tampamuseum.org, for consideration.

Short-term volunteer hours also are available for weekend programs and events.

Internship Program
Museum internships for college students, recent graduates, and graduate students are available twice annually. The number of internships available varies according to departmental need, and requires a minimum of 12 hours per week for 12 weeks. Interns may be eligible for academic credit through their schools, but are required to submit any requirements and related documents with the initial application. The application deadline for fall internships is July 1 (September – December) and December 1 for spring internships (February – May) and April 1 for the summer internship (June-August). Internship applications must be accompanied by a statement of purpose cover letter, resume, one letter of recommendation, and two additional references who are acquainted with the applicant’s academic record and career goals. Summer internship applications are also available in conjunction with summer art camps.