Volunteer
Be part of what makes BIMA feel like BIMA! Whether you love art, people, or behind-the-scenes magic, volunteering at BIMA helps open the doors to art for all.
As a volunteer, you’ll make a direct impact on artists, guests, and the Museum while inspiring curiosity, wonder, and connection! However you show up, there’s a place for you at BIMA. We welcome people of all backgrounds to help celebrate and share the art that shapes our region!
Are you already a volunteer? Click here for volunteer portal.
Volunteer Benefits:
- Access to special, volunteer only events and parties
- Quarterly volunteer-only events like Coffee Convos
- Complimentary tickets to partner events and workshops across the Puget Sound region
- Monthly meet ups outside of the museum
- Invitations to BIMA Member-only events
- High school and college volunteer credits
- Internships (you do not have to be enrolled in a course for an internship)
- Make new friends and be a part of an art-loving community
- Participate in an exciting and dynamic atmosphere
- Learn about the arts and museum operations
- Give back to your community
Current volunteers: Be sure to check your emails for community event and workshop tickets!
Volunteer Requirements:
- Work according to the BIMA Volunteer Handbook (you will receive this information during your training)
- Pass a standard background check
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older
- Adhere to BIMA confidentiality standards and policies
- Be yourself and have fun!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Your time, energy, and enthusiasm make a real difference—not only to the museum but to the community we serve. We simply couldn’t do what we do without you. Thank you for considering volunteering with us—we look forward to welcoming you to BIMA!
EVENT SUPPORT

Be a part of the fun and engage directly with art audiences! From intimate gatherings in support of an exhibiting artist, to art markets and 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! In this role, you’ll help install and take down exhibitions by carefully prepping, painting, hanging, labeling, and cleaning the galleries. As this is a high-touch position, art handling training is required, results in a more intensive commitment level over a short period of time, and may require longer periods on your feet and heavy lifting.
FIELD TRIP DOCENT

Share art with schools and kids from around the region! Assist BIMA’s Learning & Engagement team during school field trips at the museum, where you’ll act as a docent, sharing our exhibitions with children of all ages. If you love working with kids and are enthusiastic about sharing art with youth, this position is for you!
GALLERY DOCENT

You don’t need a background or experience in art to become a Gallery Docent! 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. Each Gallery Docent will be trained by BIMA’s Curatorial team each exhibition cycle so you feel confident in this role. This role does not require standing or heavy lifting, only your interest and passion in art. Requires two 3-hour shifts per month on a regular schedule.
MUSEUM STORE

Help our visitors bring part of their BIMA experience home! 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, and handling money. If you have previous retail experience or customer service experience, this may be a great opportunity. Requires two 3-hour shifts per month on a regular schedule.
STAFF ASSISTANT/BEHIND THE SCENES

For volunteers who may not prefer front facing customer service roles, this position is designed for you! Assist museum staff with a wide range of behind-the-scenes administrative tasks and project-based assignments. Shift requirements vary by assignment and are arranged with the host department. Minimum commitment for onboarding varies.
AND MORE!
BIMA WILL WORK WITH YOU!
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.
We’re so excited to meet you!
If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact Lexi Labby at lexi@biartmuseum.org.
Are you already a volunteer? Click here for volunteer portal.