Reflections of My ACM Docent Journey 2018-2019
Different Roles, Different Players
Last year this time, I celebrated the end of training as a trainee docent. One year on, I celebrated the end of training for 5 trainee docents under my watch and another 15 more crossing the finishing line. As the saying goes, “ It takes a Village to raise a Child…” and in this case, it took a team of dedicated volunteers of diverse temperaments, skill-sets and background to see yet another batch of hopefuls take on the mantle as competent docents.
It began with a call from Isabel, ( Isa ) a dear friend and art-lover buddy, asking if I would be her partner as co-group leaders for the new batch. I gave a resounding Yes!!! We knew we were going to be on the same page from Day 1. I prefer the term facilitator or shepherd to “group leader”. Over time, we became more like “Mother-hens” with a fierce protective instinct over our brood as we got to know them better, recognizing their motivations and vulnerabilities.
Meet the Jewels
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In the beginning, there were 6 fledglings in Team Jewel, plus Isa and I. Each brought their own personalities and styles in their presentations. After about a month, a trainee suddenly decided not to continue, without explanation, rant or reason. It was to be our only regret because he held so much promise and potential. The remaining five went on from strength to strength to become truly a dream team. They were so delightfully different, yet totally dedicated to their craft, and worked seamlessly as a group. I am proud to introduce “ The Gentle Historian”, “ The Enigmatic Charmer”, “The Lyrical Poet”, “ The Reflexive Philosopher”, and “ The Chic Super-manager” and release them to bring a breath of fresh air to ACM with their narratives. As for ” The Wistful Dreamer” who vanished without a trace, I wish him well and hope he finds fulfillment in the right calling.
The Journey
It is fun and satisfying to work with the right partner who reads all the right cues, brain-storm in the right direction and operates on the same frequency. I couldn’t have worked better with someone else.
From the very beginning, we named our team “Jewel” as each of them were like rough diamonds, bringing their own unique cuts and brilliance to the table. They all had it inside them and only needed to go through the process ( sometimes gritty and rough on the side ) of being polished to bring out the sparkle.
Looking at all of them now, I realise how true it is that positive affirmations are much more effective than blunt critique. We encouraged them to each have their “own voice”, build up confidence in themselves and be free to get into the “zone” to fully enjoy the experience of guiding and connecting with the visitors. For both Isa and I, this is the KEY to getting from average to good to great guiding. Ditch that prepared script and go with the flow. When the visitors can catch that spontaneity and passion from you, they will inevitably have an engaging and entertaining experience. The same cannot be said from someone carefully panning out a well-rehearsed script and trying hard to make it sound natural. ( and spare us those awkward pauses when you forget your lines )
Tueday lectures, the second time around, were stimulating. While we were trainees, I was either too tired tuning out or too busy scribbling down frantic notes to fully appreciate them. Now, however, I could sit back, relax, internalize the contents and tune out mindfully.
TGIF Fridays were packed with gallery tours conducted by senior docents and Weekly Words ( WW) on 2-3 artefacts presented by the trainees. Again, I relished the experience to re-look at things from different and often refreshing perspectives ( and feeling secretly relieved that I didn’t have to prepare the WW as a trainee myself ) Our chat-groups would often be jammed with insights and research from the team. Gosh, this bunch could easily give the curators a run for their money and take over their jobs!
Working Hard and Playing Hard
“No pain, no gain”, but where is the pain when you are too busy having fun and enjoying what you do? This bunch gave their 101% in preparation work but when it comes to letting their hair down, they do it with the same verve and drive.
Over the last six months, we have put out small fires, been through some ups and downs together, but the challenges drew out the strengths of each trainee and bonded us strongly as Team Jewel. The best part about the training is the post-training period when we meet for drinks, meals and sharing our lives, valuing our friendship and exchanges.
Moving Forward
In one or two months’ time, all the trainees would have earned their distinctive FOM lanyard from their respective mentors. I’m a little sentimental about leaving this training chapter behind but also excited about the possibilities for these new-minted docents.
What they don’t realize is that museums can become an addiction – you don’t stop at one. I’m onto three and counting but I like where I’m at right now. When I first joined the Singapore Art Museum, I was bamboozled by what contemporary art meant and wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. Then came the Asian Civilisations Museum ( ACM ) with a totally different take. It made for a good combination and balance. Recently, I took to guiding at Gillman Barracks, a cluster of private art galleries and a national research/art residency centre to broaden my horizon, overcoming my big resistance to braving the sun outdoors ( yes, some people are shallow, but for the love of art…)
So much for volunteer work but what a payoff! It’s an on-going learning process when you hang out with like-minded people with the same passion, attend talks by experts on their topics, look at art everyday ( which sure beats collecting art yourself, burning a big hole in your pocket and having to maintain them ), make new friends, wear nice clothes ( because you are interacting with some pretty well-dressed folks ) do lunch and drinks ( the tai-tai thingie )…ok I digress but you get the drift.
If anyone is reading this and nodding along, do give me a high-five the next time we bump into each other – at the museum!
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