programs

Volunteers

A docent gestures toward Andy Warhol's silkscreen print of Elvis and smiles at the camera.

About

SAM is dedicated to racial equity and strives to recruit passionate, qualified people who value unique perspectives. We involve hundreds of volunteers through dynamic and engaging roles at all three museum sites.

From advising to visitor engagement, our volunteer roles support the museum’s mission to connect art to life. Volunteers provide excellent customer service, support administrative tasks, facilitate art experiences for a wide range of museum visitors, and have an impact in all that we do. Thank you for your interest in donating service to the Seattle Art Museum.

What to know

Applications must reference one or more of the volunteer roles for consideration.

Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.

SAM does not accept court-ordered volunteer appointments.

Unfortunately, we are unable to place all applicants.

We are temporarily pausing acceptance of new volunteer applications. We appreciate your interest and encourage you to check back in late July.

Volunteer roles

Ambassador

Olympic Sculpture Park

Greet and welcome visitors, answer questions, and provide accurate information about the Olympic Sculpture Park facilities, artwork, and exhibitions, with a special focus on the Neukom Vivarium. Prospective volunteers should enjoy interacting with the public. SAM provides required training. Minimum commitment for on-boarding is six months. Weekly or twice-per-month shifts, weekends, 2–3 hours.

Art Studio Workshop

All Locations

Support school tours with students 5-18 years old during art studio workshops that accompany docent-led tours. Supporting teachers and chaperones, Art Studio Workshop volunteers assist with facilitating interactive art activities and connecting museum artworks to student creations in the studio. Weekly or twice-per-month, 2.5-hour shifts, weekdays. Minimum commitment for on-boarding is six months.

Coat Check

Seattle Art Museum

Ensure that all visitors have a positive and enjoyable experience. Greet and welcome guests, check coats and parcels, and assist museum visitors. Coat Check volunteers should have a warm, professional public presence, customer service orientation, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers, and visitors. Physical requirements may include standing for extended periods and lifting up to 20 pounds. Training provided. Minimum commitment for on-boarding is six months. Minimum two shifts per month: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–1:30 pm or 1:30–5 pm.

Events

All Locations

Support family programs, after-hours programs, members' previews, and other special events. Greet guests, usher, attend Coat Check, and assist with art-making activities. Requires excellent customer service skills and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers, and visitors. Physical requirements may include standing for extended periods and lifting up to 20 pounds. Requires six shifts per year; evenings and weekends. Minimum commitment for on-boarding is six months.

Information Desk

Seattle Art Museum Olympic Sculpture Park

Welcome visitors at the Information Desk during selected hours. Learn to access materials and provide accurate information about all aspects of the museum. Requires excellent communication skills, a sincere enjoyment of people, and the ability to deal positively with all visitors. Knowledge of Seattle and tourist attractions is helpful. Requires two 3.5-hour shifts per month on a regular schedule. Minimum commitment for on-boarding is one year.

Libraries

Seattle Art Museum Seattle Asian Art Museum

Assist library staff with a variety of projects including preparing catalogued materials, re-shelving, assisting patrons, and working on research or filing projects. Applicants must have superb computer skills, communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with others in a professional manner. Most library volunteer positions require previous experience working in libraries or educational equivalent. Requires two shifts per month. Minimum commitment for on-boarding is one year.

SAMbassador

Seattle Art Museum

Greet and welcome visitors to the museum galleries, answer questions, provide directions, and engage in conversations about art and exhibitions. Requires a warm, professional public presence and customer service orientation, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, volunteers, and visitors, and the ability to stand/walk for three hours. Training is provided by SAM. Requires two 3.5-hour shifts per month on a regular schedule. Minimum commitment for onboarding is one year.

Staff Assistant

Seattle Art Museum Seattle Asian Art Museum Virtual

Assist museum staff with a wide range of behind-the-scenes administrative tasks. Volunteer staff assistant roles are designed to support project-based assignments. Shift requirements vary by assignment and are arranged with the host department. Minimum commitment for onboarding varies.