Volunteer Program
Come and be a part of ACE — we can’t wait to meet you.
Volunteers
Our 2024 Volunteer Program is open!
Our Volunteer Program supports and nurtures a small team of committed volunteers who are looking to gain valuable experience in a contemporary art environment. Is this you?
ACE is seeking passionate volunteers who will be supported to perform front of house duties, as well as provided with opportunities to assist in the delivery of public programs.
Volunteering is a great way to learn more about ACE’s exhibitions and exhibiting artists, build networks within the visual arts and gain practical work experience specific to the industry.
Alongside relevant training and tailored professional development opportunities, ACE volunteers participate in social activities and are provided with opportunities to connect with peers and industry professionals (visiting artists, curators, ACE core staff and Studio Program artists).
ACE’s Volunteer Program is particularly suited to those who are:
Looking for pathways to build a career in the arts.
Looking to be part of a contemporary art community.
Available minimum 3 hours every fortnight for a one-year duration (in 2023, the Program will run from June until December).
Aged 18 years and over.
ACE Volunteer Support Crew
Looking to contribute to our volunteer community but have a schedule that’s not always predictable? Introducing ACE Volunteer Support Crew!
This team is designed for those who may have less flexibility to commit regularly but are enthusiastic about lending a hand when they can.
They cover short-notice shifts, attend all inductions, and play a vital role in our community events.
About ACE’s Volunteer Program
Our annual Volunteer Program consists of a small cohort of committed volunteers who each commit fortnightly to a 3 hour shift as Front of House/Gallery Invigilators. This is a public facing role requiring volunteers to welcome visitors and confidently engage with the general public to answer questions about ACE, our exhibition program and exhibiting artists. Volunteers work independently downstairs and have access to a computer to work on their own projects as well as tend to delegated tasks, such as retail management and POS.
ACE volunteers may also be engaged in training opportunities (e.g. cultural awareness, diversity and inclusion) and public programs assistance.
ACE volunteers are integral to the gallery's operations and are all valued members of ACE’s community. Volunteers are encouraged to attend our openings, public programs and other special events, including an end of year social get together.
We ask that new volunteers attend a mandatory induction training session to learn the basics of Front of House/Gallery Invigilator duties. Volunteers are also provided with a briefing on each exhibition to gain in-depth knowledge of ACE’s exhibition program and learn how to confidently speak about the exhibition's themes.
Following the conclusion of the annual Program, all volunteers are provided with a letter of recommendation.
About the role
Selection criteria for Volunteer Front of House/Gallery Invigilators:
Availability to commit to a three hour fortnightly shift.
Demonstrates commitment to being reliable and punctual.
Provides strong rationale of the personal benefits that the Volunteer Program will provide.
Demonstrates passion for contemporary art and desire to connect meaningfully with ACE’s artistic programs.
Tailored professional development for volunteers
Additional opt-in training sessions led by ACE core staff are offered to volunteers across the year. Sessions will be delivered after business hours on a weeknight.
Select sessions from the outline below will be delivered annually to cater to the volunteer cohort:
Induction training session (mandatory)
Learn the basics of Front of House and Gallery Invigilation, and your rights as a volunteer.
How to deliver a guided exhibition tour (optional)
Learn the language of contemporary art.
Learn about art and education.
Develop confidence in public speaking.
Audiences and accessibility (optional)
Become conscious of accessible principles when interacting with audiences.
Learn key Auslan sign language relevant to the arts.
Installation basics (optional)
Learn the essentials of installing artwork and what it’s like to work with a gallery install team.
Future pathways: Where to next? (optional)
ACE staff will provide guidance for the next steps of your professional pathway in the arts.
Learn how to write a grant or submit a job application.
How to apply
Apply by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Application Form link below:
Upon completing the EOI form you will receive a confirmation email from Typeform that your submission has been received. You will be contacted by the ACE team in early February to notify you of the outcome of your EOI.
If you require an alternative application process please call or email the ACE office to arrange an accessible format for your EOI.
P: +61 8 8211 7505
E: grace@ace.gallery
EOI’s close: Sunday 30 June, 11.59pm
FAQs
If your availability differs to what is required for the Front of House / Gallery Invigilator shifts, we still encourage you to submit an EOI and specify your availability as there may be alternate volunteering roles to suit.
This volunteer role is structured to support participants for a one-year duration between February and December. We also respect volunteer’s need to prioritise paid work, study and their wellbeing, and understand that, at times, this can interrupt their regular availability. If you have any concerns about the level of consistent commitment required, please provide details at the time of submitting your EOI.
ACE is committed to offering equitable access and we will do our best to support you to participate in the Program. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Grace Marlow directly to discuss your access requirements.
E: grace@ace.gallery
P: (08) 8211 7505
