Docents share the TMA art collection with museum visitors, students, and the local community through many different programs.
All that’s required to join this group of fun, inquisitive, enthusiastic people is a love of art, a commitment to volunteering, and a desire to learn. The Docent training program spans a 3-month training period of 10 class sessions, followed by mentorship support. The training and mentorship focus on cultivating dialogue-based touring skills and developing a familiarity with the museum’s collections and historic properties.
Once you become a docent, you can choose to lead exhibition and gallery tours, present art talks to the public, bring art programs to local schools, and so much more!
Docent Training FAQs
What makes becoming a TMA docent a unique opportunity?
Tucson Museum of Art is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access. We strive to be a responsive, community-centered institution. We also strive to represent, activate and advocate for our communities. We are guided by the principles of relevancy, community, respect and acknowledging multiple points of view.
The Class of 2026 will learn and practice how to facilitate dialog-based experiences with museum visitors about art and exhibits. The goal is to create engaging experiences that emphasize active learning, encourage diverse perspectives, and foster a sense of community and connection among visitors. We serve as museum ambassadors in the museum, community and schools and hope to inspire subsequent visits.
When/where does class meet?
Beginning in January 2026, a small training class will meet on designated Thursdays through April 2026 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Classes are held on the TMA campus in the Alice Chaiten Baker Art Education Center, which is directly across the plaza from the museum’s main entrance. Additional time with mentors and classmates is expected in order to complete assignments and explore the museum and may be scheduled flexibly.
Where Can I Park?
In addition to TMA’s free parking lot, there is convenient parking nearby: covered garages, parking lots and street parking. See the Parking map at Tucson Downtown Partnership (downtowntucson.org)
What can I expect from the training?
Morgan Wells, Director of Education, oversees the class, augmented by experienced docents who serve as trainers and mentors. Training includes Responsive Facilitation Strategies such as Visual Thinking Strategies, open-ended questions, and multi-modal activities, including the supplemental use of iPads. Class sessions offer a variety of learning formats, including the opportunity to shadow, prepare, and practice museum tours. Time is offered to explore the museum, the collection, and be introduced to the campus and staff. Background information will be enhanced by lectures, discussion, reading, and video assignments.
A background in art or art history is not necessary for this training or docent participation. Instead, training will focus on creating positive engagement with art for all of our visitors, backgrounds, and understandings.
A laptop, tablet, or phone is needed for participants to connect to the museum’s wireless network and websites. Email is used frequently for communications and class materials will be posted online. Some museum touring activities will incorporate online or saved resources on devices.
What is expected of me as a trainee?
- Reliably attend scheduled classes held January through April 2026. -Complete all assignments and engage fully in a collaborative training experience.
- Learn and practice skills and strategies that facilitate dialogue-based experiences for museum visitors.
- Attend designated Docent Council Education Meetings.
- Attend one or more Art Talks given at TMA on “Second Sundays.”
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn, meet new people and bring enthusiasm and an open mind to our training process!
What fees are required to become a docent?
Trainees must be TMA members prior to enrolling. The cost of an individual TMA membership is $50.
The fee for docent training is $200, which includes membership in the Docent Council, class materials, speakers, and staff expenses.
Those who wish to request tuition assistance may contact Morgan Wells, Director of Education at mwells@tucsonmuseumofart.org.
After completion of training, docents are required to be annual members of TMA as well as annual members of the TMA Docent Council ($40 annually).
What are my obligations after I complete training?
Every year between July 1 and June 30, docents are required to complete 50 hours of service. This includes preparing for and conducting nine tours scheduled by the Education Department and 15 education hours. Education hours can be accrued by attending Art Talks, curator-led tours, TMA lecture events, and monthly Docent Council Education Meetings. Additional service hours may be earned by participating in committees, special projects, and a variety of other activities.
To apply, use the link on this page. For further information, contact TMA Director of Education Morgan Wells: mwells@tucsonmuseumofart.org