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A group of five people pose, all but one wearing purple fedoras.

A volunteer helps out at a karaoke activity during MCA Prime Time: Purple, May 6 2016

Photo © MCA Chicago

Volunteering

Volunteers support our programs in a range of ways, such as helping out at evening events, lending a hand to the Learning and Public Programs department on Family Days, ushering for the MCA Stage, or leading tours of exhibitions.

Types of Volunteers

General MCA Volunteers

General volunteers assist museum staff and support our programs in a range of ways, such as helping out at evening events, interacting with visitors, and serving as welcoming representatives of the museum.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and applications are kept on file. Selected candidates will be asked to participate in a volunteer training session. Volunteers must be 18 years and older and at least 21 years of age to volunteer at MCA events that include alcoholic beverages.

General Volunteer FAQs

A minimum of a one-year commitment is required. There is a training in the fall for all volunteers, new and those re-enrolling. General volunteers are required to volunteer for 2 events OR the entire 21Minus event.

  • Must be 18 years of age or older and at least 21 years of age to volunteer at MCA events that serve alcoholic beverages
  • Must commit to one year
  • Must volunteer for a minimum of 2 events or the entire 21Minus event per year
  • Guest check-in
  • Guest count
  • Event greeter
  • Assist artist with exhibition
  • Crowd control
  • Hand out programs
  • Provide general information about the event (e.g. time, prices for food/drink, directions to washrooms and the restaurant, where to find a specific event, etc.)
  • Conduct surveys

Family Programs Volunteers

Volunteers specifically interested in working with families and children in a contemporary art museum setting can volunteer for Family Days with the Learning and Public Programs department. Volunteers welcome and direct families upon their arrival to the museum, assist staff, and help teaching artists with interactive projects. Individuals interested in interacting with families as well as students currently enrolled in art education and early childhood education programs are encouraged to apply.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and volunteer training takes place in the fall. To qualify as active, volunteers must serve a minimum of four Family Day events per season (October–May). Additional information is provided during our volunteer training sessions.

Family Programs Volunteer FAQs

A minimum of a one-year commitment is required. There is a training session in the fall for all new and re-enrolling volunteers.

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must undergo an initial background check
  • Must volunteer for one shift (10:30 am–1:30 pm or 1–3:30 pm) or entire day (10:30 am–3:30 pm), at least four times per season (Oct–May)
  • Guest check-in
  • Guest count
  • Event greeter
  • Assist artist with exhibition
  • Crowd control
  • Hand out programs
  • Provide general information about the event (e.g. time, prices for food/drink, directions to washrooms and restaurant, where to find a specific event, etc.)

Performance Ushers

Performance ushers take tickets in the Edlis Neeson Theater, direct patrons to seats, escort disabled visitors, and provide other assistance.

For more information, please call the performance volunteer hotline at 312-397-4072 or email your inquiry to [email protected].

Access, Inclusion, and Equity

We aspire to make the MCA community and our environment—staff, volunteers, audiences, artists, programs, and exhibitions—reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago and to capture the spirit of access, inclusion, and equity in all we do.