Volunteering roles with cultural organisations usually count towards the "Make a Difference" part of the Stellify Award.
There are all sorts of volunteer opportunities available at The University of Manchester's cultural institutions, which include The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and John Rylands Library Deansgate.
Take a look at the case study below for a better idea of what you can get involved in:
Volunteers are an essential part of day to day life at the gallery. There are plenty of ways for students to get involved from supporting artists and their work to helping deliver workshops and events.
Cordelia Milward joined the Whitworth just before our reopening in February 2015 and is one of the Gallery’s Student Producers:
“Volunteering as a Student Producer at The Whitworth has been the perfect antidote to the academic student lifestyle, and being able to work with other like-minded creative students has been so much fun. We've got to know how the gallery works, and have been able to bring our own ideas to curating social events for students. We're so lucky at the university to have this established gallery just next door, and I have a real sense of pride in being part of such a special place. Being a Student Producer alongside my degree has been perfect as it serves as a kind of escape from the library, but it also seems like brilliant experience for working in the creative arts. Curating the Student Social Art Party was a learning experience, but it was also incredible to see so many students engaged and enthused by the art in the gallery space.”
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Jason chose to volunteer at Manchester Museum as he thought it would be a good way to gain experience while completing his Wildlife Biology degree.
As one of the Museum’s object handling volunteers, Jason engages visitors with real museum objects, sharing information and stories about the objects to create dialogue with visitors to encourage learning.
“Volunteering provides great public engagement experience; it really increases your confidence working with a variety of audiences and different age groups. There are lots of opportunities as a volunteer such as social events, further training and other volunteering roles. Most recently I was invited to collaborate with other students and graduates to help inform and shape a new gallery - The Study. It has been a privilege to volunteer at Manchester Museum, from the expertise of the staff to volunteering with real objects to engaging the public. It is a great place to learn and enhance your skills for the future.”
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