Volunteer

Volunteering at the Birmingham Museum of Art provides enrichment for both you and the community by supporting the BMA’s mission of bringing people and art together. Our volunteers play a vital role in this connection by inspiring visitors to look at the world in new ways. They can be found sharing their time and talents as a Museum Concierge, in the Museum Shop, and supporting a variety of departments, programs and exhibitions.


VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

We are currently seeking volunteers with excellent customer service skills, an interest in art, and a desire to get involved in the Birmingham community. The Birmingham Museum of Art is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. All volunteer applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Museum Concierge 

The Museum Concierge is the friendly face welcoming guests, assisting with wayfinding, and providing general information. Additional training is required for this placement. We ask for a commitment of one shift per month. Available shifts are:

  • Tuesdays – Saturdays
    • 10:00 am-2:00 pm
    • 1:00-5:00 pm
  • Sundays, 12:00-4:00 pm.

Museum Shop 

Volunteers in the Museum Shop assist staff with greeting and helping customers, as well as merchandising and other tasks. We ask for a commitment of one shift per month. Available shifts are:

  • Tuesdays – Saturdays, 12:00-3:00 pm
  • Sundays, 1:00-4:00 pm.

Special Events 

Special event volunteers assist with ticketing, drop-in art activities, and other duties during events such as Art After Five, Family Festivals, off-site community events, and more. Special events are often on weeknights and weekends and shifts are typically 2-4 hours scheduled on an as needed basis.

Special Exhibitions

We are looking for volunteers to specifically support ticketing, wayfinding, art activities and the Museum Shop for our upcoming limited time exhibition, Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume. The BMA will be providing training specific to the daily operations of the exhibit. The exhibition runs February 17th – August 18th. Shifts are:

  • Mondays, 9:00 am-1:00 pm
  • Tuesdays – Saturdays
    • 10:00 am-2:00 pm
    • 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
  • Sundays
    • 12:00-4:00 pm
    • 1:00-5:00 pm.

 


VOLUNTEER PROGRAM DETAILS

All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age with the exception of students seeking to meet requirements for community-service hours for school or other extracurricular activities. We encourage families and group volunteering.

We ask for a commitment of at least six months to one year with at least four hours encouraged per month. We strive to place you in one of your top choices based on availability, interests, and the needs of the BMA.

Applicants accepted to the Volunteer Program are required to pass a background check. Please note, the Birmingham Museum of Art is unable to accept volunteers for court-ordered community service or any other community service requirement that is a result of a disciplinary infraction.

The BMA provides a monthly email with volunteer updates, invitations to exclusive volunteer events, access to special exhibitions, volunteer recognition and a BMA Membership after 36 hours of service.


HOW TO APPLY

Volunteers must be 18 years old or older. Please note, the Birmingham Museum of Art is unable to accept volunteers for court-ordered community service or any other community service requirement that is a result of a disciplinary infraction.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the BMA! If any position(s) interest you, please fill out an application below. Spots are limited for some volunteer opportunities, and have specific requirements, but we will try to match you with your preferred opportunity.

Apply Now

To learn about volunteer opportunities, please contact Ashley Vrocher, our Manager of Volunteer and Visitor Services, at [email protected]


VOLUNTEER PROGRAM FAQ

What do volunteers do at the BMA?

Volunteers provide support for both staff and visitors across the Museum and are primarily engaging with visitors at our Information Desks, the Museum Shop, special events and exhibitions.

What are the benefits of becoming an active volunteer?

In appreciation of your time and enthusiasm, we offer volunteer-exclusive trainings and social events along with a complimentary BMA membership once you have completed 36 hours of service.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age unless they are part of a school or group volunteer effort.

Do you offer group volunteer opportunities?

We would love to have groups volunteer with us for special events. Groups include families, classes and professional organizations.

Are there any special requirements?

All volunteers must pass a criminal background check.

What is the volunteer commitment?

We encourage 12 shifts a year.

How do I receive training?

All volunteers are required to complete the Volunteer Program Orientation. Dates and times are available on both weekdays and weekends.

How does volunteer scheduling work?

We have a very easy-to-use online scheduling and communications system for maintaining your volunteer schedule. The program schedules shifts based on your availability and typically follows the same schedule week to week.

How long are the volunteer shifts?

Most volunteer shifts are four hours with one 15-minute break.