Audience Engagement

The workshop materials provided here are intended to be used exclusively for educational, non-commercial purposes. Your respect of and willingness to honor these guidelines make it possible for us to more comprehensively share these resources with you on this website.

Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Discover tips and tricks to add the “WOW” factor to online tours. You will explore tools for encouraging conversation and interactivity when you are in a virtual setting.

Presenters: Pegeen Blank, Karen Skillet

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

Discussion of FAMSF Access programs for persons with demential, low vision, post traumatic stress syndrome and cognitive differences

Prensenters: Anne Burn Johnson, Denise Cartmill

Oakland Museum of California

How do docents nurture connections to diverse communities when their cultural experiences differ
from those of the visitor? Learn from our experience in and training for the biannual Days of the Dead
exhibit, special exhibit “Respect: Hip-Hop Style and Wisdom,” and LGBTQ+ tours in both art and
history, and see how docents can interact with visitors from these communities in a mutually significant
and respectful way.

Presenters:  Dena Watson-Lamprey, Page Yarwood

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Learn effective strategies for peer-led docent training to meet the challenges for new exhibitions as
well as to help our visitors appreciate contemporary art. While originally designed for contemporary
art, this technique can help docents prepare for any complex new exhibition with confidence.

Presenters: Deborah Robin, Perrin McEwen, Kelly Nelson

Toledo Museum of Art

Discover visual literacy activities to jump-start ekphrastic writing in the gallery. In an interactive session participants will leave with touring techniques that encourage close looking, creativity, sensory language and personal reflection. Gain practical information about how to organize, implement and maintain a successful writing contest and an engaging community Ekphrastic Poetry Awards Ceremony.

Presenters: Dianne Klein, Gretchen Rohm, Judi Selden

National Portrait Gallery

Stimulate discussion and share ideas on how to maximize your permanent collection by drawing on
multiple resources, including community and web-based sites that are available to all and adaptable
to other institutions, regardless of size or subject matter.

Presenters: Steve Merrill, Lorna Grenadier

Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College

Learn new ways of helping people create meaning and experience in the galleries through engagement with artistic process. Gain tools for helping students of all ages respond to art and leave with 4 mini-lessons.

Presenters: Noelle Vit, Linda Oidtman, Claire Lyon

San Jose Museum of Art

Time-based media is a growing part of the aesthetic mix. We offer a series of scalable techniques you can adapt to video, film, audio, and computer-based art while maintaining the viewer interaction that allows art to be experienced through each visitor’s unique perspective.

Presenters: Peter Fargo, Leah Read, Monica Rojano-Mogel, Francine Craven

Columbus Museum of Art

Docents foster memorable visitor experiences through questioning techniques, familiarity with the Museum collection and creative, fun programs. The end result is a take-home work of art. Participants will engage in a simulated “Creating in the Galleries” experience.

Presenters: Debbie Lutz, Joy Ritchie

The Saint Louis Art Museum

Art has the power to inspire thoughtful dialogue and bring together diverse audiences. Learn about a program in which docents from different faith traditions model respectful dialogue by exploring common religious themes, utilizing the language and symbols of art in a safe museum setting. Explore ways museums may collaborate with community partners who bring their own expertise, resources and perspectives to such tours.

Presenters:  Ann Burroughs, Bill Sitzer

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