M.LiT 2011-12: Museum Leaders in Training
Learn. Explore. Advise. Discover.
Participating students (grades 8 – 12) will gain a strong appreciation of the visual arts, in relation to history and culture, in this competitive 12-month, after-school program. They will also interact with visiting artists, college students, and professional speakers and discover how to recognize the merits of others’ works, build healthy relationships with peers and mentors, and develop an understanding of the function of art in society. This leadership program is taught through hands-on workshops, insightful lectures, and engaging discussions.
Up to 30 students will be selected based on artistic merit and other qualifications (outlined below).
M.LiT Program Leadership Activities:
» Participate in and actively support and promote VMFA teen initiatives and programs within the community
» Advise VMFA’s teen program coordinator on the development of teen programs, exhibitions, and incentives
» Attend and participate in lectures, discussion groups, and leadership training
» Serve as volunteers through teacher assistantships and community programs
» Explore the professional roles and functions of museum- and art-related careers
» Research, write, and edit an art criticism publication of artwork in the VMFA permanent collection
M.LiT Program Incentives:
» Free, fun program with exclusive benefits
» Chance to earn 60+ hours of art-related community service
» Free student-level membership to VMFA
» Opportunity to write an art critique and have it published in a VMFA volume
» Experience with professionals in the field of art and museum studies
» Collaboration with students from area colleges
» Behind-the-scenes tours
» Recognition ceremony
» VMFA Museum Leader Certificate
Additional Opportunities for M.LiTs:
"Teen Ternships"
A summer "Teen Ternship" is a paid internship position with the VMFA Education department. During this experience, the "Teen Tern" will gain experience working in the museum and assisting program coordinators with special activities relating to teen programming at VMFA.
"Teen Ternship" time commitment: "Teen Ternships" require a weekly time commitment of 15 – 20 hours, Jun 27 – Aug 17 (excluding the week of Jul 4).
To apply: Complete an M.LiT Application (disregard the teacher recommendation and the portfolio). Mail your application, along with a cover letter and résumé, to Jessica Bauserman, 200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220. In your cover letter, please explain why you would like to be considered for the "teen ternship" and the qualities you would bring to the VMFA Education department. Deadline: Fri, May 18. Teen Terns for summer 2012 will be announced at the 2011 – 2012 M.LiT Recognition Ceremony on Thu, May 24.
Peer Mentoring
M.LiT graduates can choose to further their invovlment with the Museum Leaders in Training Program by serving as an M.LiT Peer Mentor for the following year's cycle of participants. This position allows for the veteran M.LiT to help guide others through the process of conducting a formal analysis of a work of art as well as researching, writing, and delivering a tour.
M.LiT Peer Mentor time commitment: Peer Mentorship begins at the M.LiT Summer Orientation on Sat, Jun 16, 10 am – noon. M.LiT Peer Mentors are required to attend all scheduled meetings for the 2012 – 2013 program year (M.LiT Syllabus 2012-2013). An attendance policy will be enforced. M.LiT Peer Mentors must also serve 20 assistantship hours during the summer or over the course of the year.
To apply: Submit an M.LiT Application (disregard the teacher recommendation and portfolio). Please respond to one of the following prompts in the space for "writing sample" on the online application:
Prompt #1: What does the word "mentor" mean to you and how will you be an effective M.LiT Peer Mentor for the next group of M.LiTs?
Prompt #2: Why do you want to continue with the M.LiT Program? What have you learned about yourself from the program this year and what do you hope to gain by continuing another year?
Deadline: Fri, May 18. M.LiT Peer Mentors for the 2012 – 2013 program year will be announced at the 2011 – 2012 M.LiT Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 24.
Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants must be in grades 8 – 12 (rising 8th graders may apply) and are accepted based on artistic merit, writing abilities, completeness of application, and/or superior teacher recommendations. To successfully complete this 12-month program, M.LiT students must fulfill the following:
» 24 hours of training
» 22 hours of research/writing for art criticism publication
» 2 hours of guided teen-event tours
» 20 hours of summer teacher assistantships
For more detailed information about the requirements of the M.LiT program please see M.LiT Policies and Guidelines 2012-2013.
For submission details and to apply, visit M.LiT Application Information and Submission.PDF
M.LiT Calendar
Training sessions occur twice a month, on the first and third Thursday of each month, 6 – 8 pm, beginning Oct 4, 2012.
2012 Events
May 10 Orientation
June 16 Summer Orientation
Jun – Aug Summer Teacher Assistantships (as scheduled)
*Scheduling conflicts can be discussed with the program coordinator
Sep 20 M.LiT Welcome
2012 – 2013 Training Sessions
Oct 4 & 18
Nov 1 & 15
Dec 6 & 20
Jan 3 & 17
Feb 7 & 21
Mar 7 & 21
Apr 4 & 18
May 2 & 16
Download a copy of the M.LiT Syllabus 2012-2013.PDF
The Museum Leaders in Training Program is generously sponsored by Wells Fargo.