Volunteers

BACC Volunteer Docent Training Program 2026 #1

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By Education Department Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

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Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is now inviting applications from individuals with a passion for volunteering, a service-oriented mindset, an interest in exhibition guiding and gallery care, and a desire to develop communication skills to become part of the BACC community through the BACC Volunteer Docent Training Program 2026 #1.

This training programme has been continuously developed since 2023 to provide opportunities for participants to build practical skills in exhibition guiding, while fostering a space for lifelong learning for the general public. Applications are open to individuals of all ages—no age limit, no educational requirements, and no prior art background needed. The only requirement is the ability to participate throughout the duration of the programme.

This year, the programme has been further enhanced to be more intensive. Selected participants will gain practical techniques and hands-on experience with BACC staff through lectures and art-based skill enhancement workshops from April to August 2026. The programme also includes on-site practice as a volunteer docent on the Main Exhibition Galleries 7-9 floors.

Application Period: Now – 18 April 2026 (Limited to 30 participants)
Announcement of Selected Participants: 21 April 2026

The training programme is divided into three phases as follows:
Phase 1: Introductory Training Workshop
Saturday–Sunday, 25–26 April 2026
9:30 – 16:30 hrs.
Multi-Function Room, 1st Floor, BACC

Phase 2: On-the-job Training
Docent Practice Period: 1 May – 22 July 2026
Skill Development Workshop: 9 July 2026
Friends of bacc room, 6th Floor, BACC

Phase 3: Reflection and Program Closing
Learning Reflection, Certificate Presentation, and Experience Sharing:
Friday, 7 August 2026
Meeting Room 401, 4th Floor, BACC

Training Program Content
Phase 1: Introductory Training Workshop
1. The Essence of Interpretation
Content: Understanding the role and responsibilities of a docent as a “companion in experiencing art.” This session introduces the guiding process, including research and preparation, body language during tours, creating an engaging atmosphere, gallery guidelines, and how to respond to unexpected situations. The session will draw on the direct experiences of BACC docents.
2. Communication & Storytelling
Content: Learning engaging storytelling techniques through the process of storytelling. Participants will explore how to structure a narrative, organize key points, and connect ideas effectively. The session also includes developing supporting materials for guided tours in order to communicate exhibition content clearly and engagingly to audiences.
3. Audience Management
Content: Exploring the diversity of audiences across different age groups and understanding their varying needs in order to select appropriate storytelling approaches. The session also covers strategies for managing situations in the gallery space in response to audience behavior.
4. Content Knowledge & Space Navigation
Content: Developing an understanding of the exhibitions presented in the Main Exhibition Galleries (7th–9th Floors) of Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, as well as the gallery spaces themselves. Participants will also gain basic knowledge of contemporary art, including introductory approaches to viewing and interpreting contemporary artworks.
5. Hands-on Training for Work Preparation
Content: Participants will apply the knowledge gained from the workshop to design their own guiding approach and practice delivering guided tours within the gallery space. The session also includes experience sharing with senior volunteers to build confidence through learning from real situations.

Phase 2: On-the-job Training
6. On-the-job Training
Content: Participants will gain practical experience as volunteer docents leading exhibition tours in the Main Exhibition Galleries (7th–9th Floors) at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre or at partner art organizations under collaborative arrangements. Participants are required to complete at least 10 hours (equivalent to 2 working days) of guiding practice in order to successfully complete the program and receive a certificate at the end of the training period.
**Participants may choose their preferred days and time slots between Tuesday–Sunday, from 10:00–15:00 or 13:00–18:00 (5 hours per day).
7. Skill Development Workshop
Content: An additional workshop designed to enhance participants’ basic artistic knowledge and broaden their understanding and experience of contemporary art through supplementary learning activities.

Phase 3: Reflection and Program Closing

8. Docent Experience Sharing and Reflection
Content: A session for participants and BACC Education staff to meet, exchange feedback, and reflect on their experiences throughout the program. The session also includes the certificate presentation ceremony for participants who have successfully completed the training.

Download the full training and workshop schedule [here]

**Selected participants are required to attend all activities throughout the duration of the programme.

***Participants will receive a certificate from the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre upon completion of the training and after successfully serving as a docent in the programme for at least 2 days or 10 hours. However, only those who complete a minimum of 6 days or 30 hours of service will be eligible to receive a transportation allowance.

How to Apply
Interested applicants can submit their applications via Google Form: https://forms.gle/Yk9rrkJb54BUJLvJ6

– Free of charge
– The activity will be conducted in Thai.

For more information, please contact:
Education Department, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Tel. 02-214-6630 ext. 519
Email: [email protected]