Share your time and skills, meet new friends and become part of a unique experience at the IMA. Below you will find standard volunteer opportunities at the IMA, but many positions can be customized to suit your skills and schedule. All volunteers receive on-site training and orientation. Some positions receive extensive formal training. Volunteers are encouraged to become members of the Museum so that they can become familiar with the IMA's many offerings.

Contact IMA Volunteer Services 317-923-1331 x 263 or volunteer@imamuseum.org.

Volunteer Application Process

1. Complete the Volunteer Application
2. Remember to select a date for your volunteer interview and mark your calendar.
3. You will receive a reminder e-mail or phone call for your interview from Volunteer Services staff.

Prospective volunteers must be 18 years of age.

Visitor Information

Visitor Information volunteers offer a friendly and enthusiastic greeting to visitors. They provide information, give directions, answer general questions about museum collections and special exhibitions, and convey news of daily activities, services, and programs to visitors.

Commitment: 50 hours annually, generally working two 3-hour shifts each month.

Special Events and Projects

Work with the Museum staff during events such as exhibition openings, Penrod Arts Fair and Summer Nights as well as off-site events and festivals. These volunteers provide a warm welcome to visitors, give directions and answer questions about the Museum. If you prefer to work behind-the-scenes, special projects include assembling mailings, filing projects and more.

Commitment: 1 year, working at least 3 events per year

E-Volunteering

The IMA E-Volunteer program allows anyone to volunteer from their home setting at their own pace to help document, research ,and publish information about the more than 60,000 artworks in the IMA collection. While this E-Volunteer program is sponsored by the IMA it relies on the resources provided within and by the Wikipedia community for help. E-Volunteers will learn the basics for creating and editing high-quality Wikipedia articles by working online using the IMA Collections Database as a starting point. Learn more about this special program.

The Toby

The 600-seat Tobias Theater is a great venue for cinema and must-see events such as performances and speakers from the worlds of art, architecture, design and other creative fields. The Toby presents classic, quirky and the newest international films and documentaries. The IMA is now recruiting volunteer ushers and ticket takers to assist with public programs in the theater.

Commitment: 1 year, working at least 3 events per year.

Museum Stores

Opportunities in the Museum Store cover all areas of retail sales and merchandising.

Commitment: 50 hours annually, generally working two 4-hour shifts each month

Development / Membership

The IMA is seeking proactive, engaging and energetic volunteers to work with IMA Development staff to promote Membership. Opportunities range from a regularly scheduled position during Museum hours (evenings and weekends available) to IMA events such as Summer Nights. There is also an opportunity to join a street team to interact with our community. Training sessions are available and will be required for this position.

Commitment: Two 4 hour shifts per month

Gardens and Grounds

Many volunteers help maintain the IMA’s 52 acres of gardens. Horticulture volunteers are trained by full-time Horticulturists and work in the gardens, the Madeline F. Elder Greenhouse, and some participate as Garden Guides offering seasonal garden tours. A background in horticulture is preferred but not required. Master Gardener participants are welcome. Those interested in becoming a Garden Guide will be asked to complete additional training.

Commitment: Seasonal, 50 hours annually, generally working four hours a week