North Carolina Museum of Art - Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design
FAQs: Film Buffs and Fashionistas
Q: When and where is the information session to learn more about the Film Buffs and Fashionistas gallery guide opportunity?
A: There are two informational sessions held at 4:30pm-6:30pm on May 17th and May 24th via Zoom. Register for the session that best fits your schedule here.
Q: What will be covered in the information session?
A: NCMA staff will review details, volunteer terms and overall commitments regarding the Film Buffs and Fashionistas gallery guide opportunities. There will also be a review of the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibition related material to jumpstart study and preparation as well as an overview of the NCMA’s People’s Collection.
Q: What if I am unable to attend either session and still want to participate?
A: If you are unable to attend either session, that is okay. If you are able to log on to the information session late, please do so. There is no penalty. Each session will be recorded for later viewing. One-on-one time with museum staff may be possible. Please email [email protected] to coordinate.
Q: What are the requirements for volunteering as a Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design gallery guide?
A: The process is simple. Please attend the informational session (or review the recording afterwards). Then, sign the commitment agreement which outlines terms provided in the informational session. Then there will be time to consider signing up for 2-hour shifts.
Q: Once I finish the training and volunteering in Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design, does that mean I am an NCMA docent?
A: If you are interested in becoming a docent at the NCMA, this opportunity is meant to be an experiential learning opportunity to become more familiar with what the role encompasses. This is a temporary volunteer opportunity. The window to apply to become a docent will open later this year and we welcome all who participate in the Film Buffs and Fashionistas program to apply!
Q: How much study and preparation time should I expect to spend to fully prepare for my shifts in the galleries?
A: Approximately 5-hours. Those who sign up for a shift will receive the educational packet that can be accessed any time.
Q: How long is my commitment for this volunteer opportunity?
A: The Film Buffs and Fashionistas gallery guide program will run from the beginning of June to the end of July. We ask that each participant complete one shift per month (2-hours per shift; 4-hours of volunteering total).
Q: Will I be required to lead any private group tours while I am volunteering as a Film Buff and Fashionista?
A: You will not be asked to lead any private group tours, but may engage with touring groups as they self-guide in the exhibition. The Film Buffs and Fashionistas gallery guides operate as “Ask Me” guides who are able to respond to visitors' questions and comments as they arise in a casual mode.
Q: What should I do if a visitor asks me about the other art in the NCMA that I am not familiar with?
A: NCMA staff will include information about other exhibitions and galleries in the museum that may answer some of the frequently asked questions visitors may have during the information session. However, it is okay to admit to a visitor that you do not know and refer them to the box office or museum staff member.
Q: Who do I reach out to if I have an emergency, urgent need or question that needs answering?
A: Manager of Tour Experiences – Miles D. Hall, [email protected]
Director of Education – Michelle Harrell, [email protected]
Museum Security – Call (919) 664-6788
A: There are two informational sessions held at 4:30pm-6:30pm on May 17th and May 24th via Zoom. Register for the session that best fits your schedule here.
Q: What will be covered in the information session?
A: NCMA staff will review details, volunteer terms and overall commitments regarding the Film Buffs and Fashionistas gallery guide opportunities. There will also be a review of the Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibition related material to jumpstart study and preparation as well as an overview of the NCMA’s People’s Collection.
Q: What if I am unable to attend either session and still want to participate?
A: If you are unable to attend either session, that is okay. If you are able to log on to the information session late, please do so. There is no penalty. Each session will be recorded for later viewing. One-on-one time with museum staff may be possible. Please email [email protected] to coordinate.
Q: What are the requirements for volunteering as a Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design gallery guide?
A: The process is simple. Please attend the informational session (or review the recording afterwards). Then, sign the commitment agreement which outlines terms provided in the informational session. Then there will be time to consider signing up for 2-hour shifts.
Q: Once I finish the training and volunteering in Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design, does that mean I am an NCMA docent?
A: If you are interested in becoming a docent at the NCMA, this opportunity is meant to be an experiential learning opportunity to become more familiar with what the role encompasses. This is a temporary volunteer opportunity. The window to apply to become a docent will open later this year and we welcome all who participate in the Film Buffs and Fashionistas program to apply!
Q: How much study and preparation time should I expect to spend to fully prepare for my shifts in the galleries?
A: Approximately 5-hours. Those who sign up for a shift will receive the educational packet that can be accessed any time.
Q: How long is my commitment for this volunteer opportunity?
A: The Film Buffs and Fashionistas gallery guide program will run from the beginning of June to the end of July. We ask that each participant complete one shift per month (2-hours per shift; 4-hours of volunteering total).
Q: Will I be required to lead any private group tours while I am volunteering as a Film Buff and Fashionista?
A: You will not be asked to lead any private group tours, but may engage with touring groups as they self-guide in the exhibition. The Film Buffs and Fashionistas gallery guides operate as “Ask Me” guides who are able to respond to visitors' questions and comments as they arise in a casual mode.
Q: What should I do if a visitor asks me about the other art in the NCMA that I am not familiar with?
A: NCMA staff will include information about other exhibitions and galleries in the museum that may answer some of the frequently asked questions visitors may have during the information session. However, it is okay to admit to a visitor that you do not know and refer them to the box office or museum staff member.
Q: Who do I reach out to if I have an emergency, urgent need or question that needs answering?
A: Manager of Tour Experiences – Miles D. Hall, [email protected]
Director of Education – Michelle Harrell, [email protected]
Museum Security – Call (919) 664-6788