Volunteering in the arts
Becoming a volunteer
Becoming a volunteer can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. The arts and creative sector is a popular choice for volunteering and there are many opportunities. Many groups and organisations would find it difficult to undertake the full activities they do or run their organisation with out the help of volunteers.
Lots of volunteers will gain valuable skills, experience and knowledge during their volunteer placement or post. It is an effective way of both helping the community and potentially increasing employment opportunities. For many people volunteering increases confidence, and enables them to meet new people.
It is important before approaching an organisation or group for a potential volunteer consider:
- How much time do you have to give or what commitment can you make?
- How long do you want to volunteer for?
- What skills and experience do you have to offer?
- What do you hope to gain out of your volunteering?
- What kind of organisation or group would you like to work with?
- What kind of volunteering work is available in the organisation or group you are considering?
Before making an approach a potential volunteer should get as much information about the organisation or group as possible. Groups or organisations should be happy to talk to potential volunteers about what kind of work or placements are available.
Note: If you are interested in volunteering with a group in Lambeth's arts or creative sector, you can find details of many of Lambeth's local groups on our arts organisations and projects and networks pages.
Recruiting volunteers
For many arts organisations offering volunteering opportunities is central to the group being able to run effectively, with limited resources.
There are many reasons for recruiting volunteers and many roles a volunteer can play. Volunteers can be sought for Committees and Boards, for assisting with events and activities, for administration, management or for providing specific skills such as fund-raising. Volunteers may work for an organisation for a day or for a year or longer; part-time and full-time. The reasons people volunteer are varied, as are the reasons a group or organisation appoint a volunteer.
For most people volunteering can be a very rewarding experience. It may be just for enjoyment or for some it can be a step towards a new area of employment or a new career.
To ensure that you get the most of volunteering or engaging a volunteer it is important that the legal and organisational matters are fully understood and that best practise is followed.
Useful organisations
The organisations and resources listed below provide advice on volunteering in the arts.
National Centre for Volunteering England
Information of formal volunteering in England
Matches companies and professionals in the IT industry with local charities and projects.
Key organisation providing support, information, publications and advice on all matters concerning the voluntary sector.
Wide-range of briefings available from the web. Also variety of publications relating to all aspect of voluntary arts sector.
Institute for volunteering research.
Information source about volunteering.