Danforth Art Teen Docents lead museum tours and educational experiences for children and families, beginning with a training program each summer and continuing throughout the school year.
Who Are the Teen Docents?
Teen Docents have many different backgrounds and interests, but they all share a common passion for art and engaging with children and families from their community. Teen Docents are high school students in grades nine-twelve and come from towns and schools throughout MetroWest. The program is competitive, and only 10-15 applicants are accepted each year.
Summer Training Program
During the Summer Training Program, Teen Docents learn and practice strategies for leading museum tours, while getting a behind-the-scenes view of an art museum. Teen Docents meet past year’s Teen Docents, who serve as mentors during the summer. Benefits of this free training program include gaining confidence in public speaking, meeting peers with similar interests, learning about art museum careers, meeting artists, and contributing to Danforth Art’s community impact. The Summer Training Program also includes artist-led workshops, studio art classes in Danforth Art’s School, and field trips to area museums.
School Year Program
Upon completion of the Summer Training Program, Teen Docents are invited to become part-time, paid Danforth Art employees, assisting with educational programs throughout the school year, including the monthly Drop Into Art program. Teen Docents are invited to participate in the program up until their graduation from high school
In Their Words
“This experience was really important and unique for me. I’ve never worked with kids before, so I’ve learned a lot about working with them through this program. I’ve also learned a lot about how a museum works. Also, I’m glad that I got to meet people outside of my group of friends who enjoy and appreciate art.”
– Teen Docent / Framingham High School Student
How Can I apply?
Students interested in applying for the Teen Docent Summer Training Program should fill out a Teen Docent Program Application, and submit it along with all supplemental materials by the deadline. All applicants will be asked to come to Danforth Art for an in-person interview with Danforth Art staff.
Click here for more information and the 2016 application form [PDF].
Applications are due Sunday, May 1, 2016. If you have specific questions or want to find out more about the program, contact us at 508.620.0050 x43 or email sgonsalves<at>danforthart.org.
Looking for a Summer Internship/Assistantship or Art classes for teens?
Learn more about Summer Arts Assistantships available to teens here. Learn more about Summer Arts Intensives (week-long art courses during June-August) here.
Thank You!
This program is sponsored in part by The TJX Foundation. Past supporters of the Teen Docent program at Danforth Art include Crossroads Community Foundation, The Sudbury Foundation and Bank of America.
Danforth Art is located in Framingham, a town 30 minutes west of Boston. It is accessible by the Boston-Worcester commuter rail line and also offers free parking. See more at the directions page.