Just like all the other habits we keep telling ourselves we want to do more of, art should be something we devote more of our time to. It isn’t about simply staring at a piece of work and walking away mindless, it’s about creating a thought-provoking experience that will encourage communication and creativity within the viewer.
Besides encouraging your friends to go visit museums with you, there are other reasons to get involved with the NYC Museum culture. One of the easiest ways to get involved is through volunteering on weekends. What better way to give back to the art community, and also develop your relationship with art?
Erica Chan, a Columbia University student, has been volunteering at the MoMA for the past eight years of her life. What started out as a desire to develop her skills in communicating and interacting with a diversified audience, she has continued to volunteer because of her love for art and the experiences it provokes. As an information desk volunteer, Erica has been able to improve her communication skills through discussions with visitors from all around the world. Since volunteering at the MoMA, Erica’s relationship with art has been a constant evolution and transformation.
“I definitely love eighteenth century art, but venturing into modern contemporary art and mixing contemporary issues has been a new experience, and holds my interest with its constant changes.”
It is possible to get involved and volunteer at almost any museum in the city. As a member of the museum, volunteers even get insider scoops of new exhibits coming and access to behind the scenes. After volunteering for a number of years, Erica would highly recommend individuals to volunteer or even just be more involved with visiting museums.
“Discussing art and being open to different ideas, knowing people come from different background and acknowledging different personalities, will help millennials grow.”
Thank you!