The Museum Guild is a group of undergraduate students from local colleges and universities who work toward representation, inclusion and advocacy for student voices in the museum space. Working as a group and with the guidance of the museum’s Academic Programs staff, they develop projects and programs that highlight student interests and promote diversity and community engagement while creating critical dialogue around the RISD Museum’s collection.
What do you mean by “projects and programs”?
Guild members develop ways of interpreting the museum’s collections and exhibitions for public audiences through talks, artist-led experiments, interactive activities, performances, digital or physical publications, or any other format they dream up. Members also serve as a bridge between the museum and the student body at their respective institution.
What kind of commitment is this?
Guild members are provided with a stipend based on attendance and participation. They are encouraged to serve in the group until graduation, and are responsible for managing self-directed work that other group members will rely on. This might be a match for you if you are able to direct your extracurricular time and energy toward this group.
What might I gain from this experience?
Guild members gain insight into museum interpretation, particularly programming, and develop individualized skills, like public speaking, facilitation, and writing. They also gain short- and long-term project management skills that are transferable to a variety of career goals. We’re looking for students with a wide range of skills, interests, and future plans; the Guild is not intended as a precursor to a career as a museum professional. (If you’re looking for that type of pre-professional experience, check out our summer internships and HAVC fellowships.)
When does Guild meet?
The Guild meets weekly as a group on Monday evenings. This year’s group meetings and programs will take place virtually, for at least the fall semester, and we will alter the meeting time as needed to accommodate students studying remotely. Small working groups of 3-4 members meet independently in addition to this meeting time.
Applications are open until September 11, 2020, at 11:59 pm. Contact museum-academic@risd.edu with questions.
Last year's group
Meet the 2019-20 Museum Guild! Follow along at @risdmuseumguild on Instagram.
