BIMA has a various and ever-growing list of needs and volunteer positions. The volunteers range from those who can drop in to help at an envelope stuffing party or pour wine at an event, to regularly scheduled shifts greeting guests as a gallery docent. BIMA will work with your schedule, interests and skills to find a position that best fits YOUR needs as a volunteer.

Museum Store

Help our visitors bring part of their BIMA experience home by volunteering in BIMA’s Museum Store! We’re looking for volunteers who want to share their talents in the store and provide customer service and support in a fun and ever-changing environment. The BIMA Museum Store specializes in extending the visitor experience by offering locally produced and designed products that highlight the art and craft of the Puget Sound Region. Store Volunteers will be a core point of contact with all visitors, and must be comfortable with initiating conversation, helping customers to access store merchandise, learning our point-of-sale system, handling money, and maintaining a general knowledge of store vendors and artists. If you have previous retail experience or customer service experience, this may be a great opportunity to assist the store team in extending the mission of BIMA.

GALLERY DOCENT

Docents at BIMA help perform an important volunteer function of the art museum: welcoming and introducing visitors to the work in BIMA’s galleries. Docents are liaisons to the exhibits and share firsthand knowledge about the art and exhibitions currently on display, while inviting the public to become curious and informed viewers.

EVENT SUPPORT

Be a part of the fun and engage directly with art audiences! BIMA holds a variety of events throughout the year to engage members, patrons, donors, and the community. From intimate gatherings in support of an exhibiting artist, to art markets, to our annual fundraiser, there are multiple events every month that could benefit from your help. Responsibilities include set-up, decor, greeting, check-in, bartending, food prep, clean-up, and more!

EXHIBITION INSTALLATION CREW

Experience BIMA behind the scenes! The exhibition installation crew assists with installing and taking down exhibitions by carefully prepping, painting, hanging, labeling, and cleaning the galleries. As this is a high-touch position, art handling training is required, and results in a more intensive commitment level over a short period of time.

Field Trip Docent

Join BIMA in bringing art to schools around the region! The Education Department is always looking for volunteers to assist as docents during school field trips. This includes the Education team and their volunteers visiting schools in the area, but also includes frequent school visits to our galleries where you can share our permanent collection and temporary exhibitions with children of all ages. BIMA has a deep passion for sharing art with youth– if working with kids is something you enjoy, this position is for you! 

INTERNSHIPS

Various museum departments seek high school, undergraduate, and graduate student interns. Interns gain skills and behind the scenes insights through on-the-job training. Internship opportunities can be offered in conjunction with college and university credit.