Docents for ArtPhilly's project, Iron and Paper: Unfolding Philadelphia’s Chinatown

Pay Type:

Hourly Rate

Job Status:

Part Time

Minimum Salary/Hourly Rate:

$25.00

Maximum Salary/Hourly Rate:

$25.00

ArtPhilly

ArtPhilly is seeking a caring, outgoing, race and gender equity-oriented individuals to join our team as part-time Docents for ArtPhilly’s commissioned project Iron and Paper: Unfolding Philadelphia’s Chinatown by artist Colette Fu. This is a temporary, part-time position.

Curator Dave Kyu and visual artist Colette Fu aim to provide an insider's view of what makes Philadelphia’s Chinatown special. As ArtPhilly takes a moment to reflect on the 250th anniversary of Philadelphia, Colette Fu will present a new signature large scale pop-up book that demands visitors consider the cultural contributions of Philadelphia’s Chinatown and the future of Democracy. The pop-up will be a large five-spread book operated by a rotating crank. Visitors will be welcomed to visit the pop-up book, and rotate a crank that flips through the pages, providing a behind-the-scenes look into what makes our Chinatown so vibrant. The supporting table will resemble an altar with the rotating crank mechanism as a reference to a 1903 invention by Edmund Smith, derogatorily named the "Iron Chink”.

As a Docent for this participatory large-scale pop-up-book you will be welcoming visitors to experience the art by turning its pages to reveal the sculptural artworks page by page. You will also be expected to share knowledge about the historical/cultural context of the work and its creation. As a representative of ArtPhilly and the What Now: 2026 festival you will offer information about other commissions, events, and exhibitions taking place throughout the What Now: 2026 festival as well as in other cultural venues of Chinatown.

DURATION: May 28 through June 27, 2026

HOURS: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 2:00pm – 6:00pm

LOCATION: 1001 Vine Street Crane Center Ground Floor Lobby, Philadelphia, PA 19107

REPORTS TO: Michelle Freeman, Witty Gritty/ArtPhilly

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

Part-time, temporary
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Depending on availability and scheduling, this position is open to at least 4 candidates.
Compensation: $25/hr. Not eligible for medical benefits.
Start date: Thursday, May 28, 2026.
End date: Thursday, June 27, 2026
Orientation to be held during the week of May 18th

ABOUT ArtPhilly:

ArtPhilly is a new arts organization creating the citywide, arts festival What Now: 2026. This five week festival throughout Philadelphia is designed to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, and will launch on May 27, 2026. What Now: 2026 features over 30 multidisciplinary projects, installations, and performances, highlighting local artists and community spirit.

To Apply

Please send your cover letter and resume as a single PDF to info@artphilly.org with the subject line “[Your Name]: Docent"

The Deadline to apply is Monday, May 4th. Interviews will be conducted the week of May 11th.

Only those whose applications are being considered will be contacted. Positions open until filled. Thank you for your interest in working with us.

For more information about What Now: 2026 Festival, please visit https://www.artphilly.org/what-now

ArtPhilly is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, religion, veteran, disability, or marital status, or political affiliation.