Open Forum

We are researching for a client how other museums are using gallery assistants. Specifically, we are looking at how gallery assistants can help ensure security is exclusively focused on safety, while gallery assistants can perform a layer of engagement for the visitor that is neither security nor curatorial-based (essentially being able to answer basic questions by visitors). Would appreciate hearing from museums that do employ gallery assistants, what their specific roles/responsibilities are.

Many thanks,
Erin



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Erin Weaver | Founder & President
Pennington Gray | membership, annual giving, & audience development
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At the Chrysler Museum of Art, our Gallery Hosts perform a role that blends service, security, and engagement. In one round through their assigned galleries, they may enforce a rule, watch for odd visitor behavior, answer questions, and engage visitors in conversations about art. They are able to move seamlessly between all of these duties and the response from our visitors is very positive. It creates a welcoming environment while still protecting the collection. I'm happy to share any information that might be helpful.

Warmest Regards,
Colleen Higginbotham 
Deputy Director for Visitor Experience
Chrysler Museum of Art


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Colleen Higginbotham
Director of Visitor Services
Chrysler Museum of Art
Norfolk VA
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Colleen,
This approach at the Chrysler is very interesting and I'd like to know more about how you train these versatile gallery hosts. At The Contemporary Austin we cross-train gallery attendants and front desk staff and encourage all of them to attend docent training in order to better engage visitors and talk about the art. Currently, we are assessing our visitor services training. Would you please share any training models or materials you've found useful in empowering your gallery host staff to blend service, security and engagement?

Thank you,
Andrea Mellard
Director of Public Programs & Community Engagement
The Contemporary Austin, Austin, TX

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Margie Rine
Development Director
The Contemporary Austin
Austin TX
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2019 10:23 PM
From: Colleen Higginbotham
Subject: Gallery Assistants

At the Chrysler Museum of Art, our Gallery Hosts perform a role that blends service, security, and engagement. In one round through their assigned galleries, they may enforce a rule, watch for odd visitor behavior, answer questions, and engage visitors in conversations about art. They are able to move seamlessly between all of these duties and the response from our visitors is very positive. It creates a welcoming environment while still protecting the collection. I'm happy to share any information that might be helpful.

Warmest Regards,
Colleen Higginbotham
Deputy Director for Visitor Experience
Chrysler Museum of Art


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Colleen Higginbotham
Director of Visitor Services
Chrysler Museum of Art
Norfolk VA
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