VOLUNTEERING WITH THE ARTS SOCIETY

Our volunteers offer their time and energy to help us preserve and celebrate the arts and heritage. But you also get something back from volunteering – you’ll make new friends, learn new skills, and you can enjoy knowing you are making a huge difference.

What volunteering opportunities do The Arts Society offer? 

We have over 369 societies, run entirely by volunteers. Many Societies also have teams of volunteers who support Heritage organisations, work on educational programmes, community arts projects and public art initiatives. 

Our volunteers collaborate with schools, museums, local charities and community groups to support arts education for everyone. Some learn technical skills and work with curators and volunteering managers at museums, archives, gardens and historic houses. Others create walking trails to explore historic places and draw attention to fascinating facts on art, architecture and history. 

Why does the Arts and Heritage sector need volunteers in 2023? 

Our Head of Arts Volunteering Cherry-Anne Russell said: “In the current climate I don't believe many arts organisations would be able to survive without their team of Volunteers. Volunteers also provide a local identity, pride and enthusiasm for their role which can give the organisation a unique personality and vibrancy. All are determined to do their best for the organisation and make everyone feel welcome and included.”

What impact do volunteers have on local communities?

“Trails of Discovery provides the opportunity for people in the community to learn and explore about the art, history, architecture, culture and local history in their area or at a particular venue. That can be in a church, town, village, museum, historic building, or on a local train line journey. There are many options and opportunities to be explored.” said Head of Trails of Discovery, Pauline Stewart. 

What’s in it for me? 

When asked what Volunteers get out of working on projects, Head of Heritage Volunteering Hilary Olleson replied “New skills, meeting new people, and often working in some of the most beautiful and interesting buildings, gardens, and churches in the country, with the added chance to work with curators. Seeing behind the scenes!” 

What do other volunteers have to say? 

“Being a volunteer involved in book conservation has enabled me to learn a range of new skills and knowledge in a completely different environment to those experienced throughout my career. It's given me an opportunity to get involved in other library activities and in other book conservation volunteer opportunities in the local area through the Arts Society network. I’ve met many new people and above all it's great to come together in a focussed way but also have some fun.” said Chris Orne, Heritage Volunteer. 

How do I get involved? 

Your local Society may already have some volunteering initiatives underway. Speak to them about the opportunities on offer. To find your nearest Society please click here.

For other volunteering queries, and if you have an idea for a new volunteering initiative, please email volunteering@theartssociety.org or view our other volunteering activities.