Walker Art Center Seeks Tour Guides for Expanded Facility

The Walker Art Center is accepting applications for its

Volunteer Tour Guide Program

, which begins new training sessions in October 2004. Trainees completing the six-month program will lead tours of the Walker’s expanded facility, which opens in spring 2005 with four new galleries for the permanent collection and special exhibitions—a 50 percent increase in total exhibition space. The training program, led by Walker staff members and guest lecturers from the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, features an in-depth course on contemporary art and covers various teaching methods and techniques. Participants explore ways to lead tours of the Walker’s permanent collection, special exhibitions, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Active guides continue their training through curator-led tours of special exhibitions, presentations by guest speakers, and other Walker programs and classes. Classes will meet on Wednesday mornings and on occasional Mondays. Application deadline is June 30, 2004.

Tour guide benefits include meeting visiting artists, complimentary exhibition publications, behind-the-scenes curator-led tours, discounts in the Walker Shop and restaurants, and free tickets to exhibition preview parties.

Qualified applicants are interviewed and chosen based on their ability to enthusiastically communicate about contemporary art. While a background in studio art, art history, or education is helpful, it is not a requirement. The most important criteria for admission are a desire to learn about the art of our times and commitment to share that knowledge with the public. Guides are expected to be available one day per week for touring for at least two years. Average weekly time commitment is 2.5 hours. For more information or to receive an application, call 612.375.7574, e-mail tours@walkerart.org, or visit learn.walkerart.org.