Volunteering

Get Involved! - in a range of exciting opportunities as a volunteer
Unfortunately our premises are closed at the moment, so we can't welcome you through the doors! Do get in touch if you're interested in getting involved with one of our great opportunities to volunteer once we're open again
Volunteers contribute to museums and galleries in many different ways, from engaging directly with visitors to working behind the scenes with exhibitions, events and collections teams. They help to provide valuable services that we would not otherwise be able to provide.
Could you support our work by sponsoring, donating or volunteering? All opportunities have flexible commitment requirements and aim to provide a rewarding and enriching experience for all.
Corporate Volunteering
Share your team, resources and expertise
Many businesses offer their employees an opportunity to volunteer in work time.
This is known as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Employer Supported Volunteering and it can include fundraising for a group or even sharing expertise, resources and volunteering.
It can be a great way to support your civic museums/galleries and give your staff a rewarding and fulfilling experience in beautful, unique spaces. Staff can volunteer independently or as part of a volunteer workplace scheme. It could be as part of a team away day or team building experience with colleagues.
Talk to us if your business or group would like to volunteer or if your organisation could benefit from business volunteering.
Sonja Kielty, Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Libraries, Museums and Galleries [email protected] t: 01274 436027
Read blogs by previous BMG volunteers and interns below:
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/a-rediscovered-butterfield-christmas-gift/ Documetation Volunteer, Ian
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/helen-gardening-volunteer/ Gardening Volunteer by Helen
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/first-day-invigilating/ Prescious and Rare Courtauld Exhibition by Richard
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/never-too-late-for-new-experiences-and-new-ambitions/ Cafe Volunteer by Richard
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/clangers-bagpuss-co-on-tour/ Clangers, Bagpuss and Co, Museum of Childhood, V&A
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/internships-cat-scott-exhibitions-and-events/ Cat Scott with Tony Bevan, painter
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/more-from-annabel/ Annebel Owens with Nancy Honey, photographer
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/bradford-young-open-2015/ Emily Friedel with Young Open
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/a-year-of-incredible-experiences/ Sam Pickard with Knit, Crafts Council; Gruffalo and South Square Art Gallery
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/meet-our-community-engagement-intern/ Esther with Gruffalo and Julia Donaldson
https://www.bradfordmuseums.org/blog/technical-assistant-trainee-salma-patel/ Salma Patel with David Hepher; painter and Flowers Gallery; Animal Craft exhibition and Bradford Open.
Volunteer Gallery Enabler
Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
We are seeking to recruit a team of volunteer gallery enablers to support visitors with access to our exhibition galleries.
Responsibilites
- maintain the interactives throughout the day eg. tidy gallery interactives, toy, books etc.
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prepping of materials for family and school activities
- be available to assist and direct visitors in the gallery and answer questions as appropriate
- ensure proper behaviour in the gallery to maintain a warm, fun, welcoming atmosphere for all our visitors and their children.
Training
You will receive an induction necessary to the role including full health and safety. All short-listed applicants will be required to attend a short, informal interview.
Please get in touch if you are:
- are interested in supporting families and children
- feel comfortable coming into contact with and communicating with members of the public and specifically parents and carers
- have good interpersonal skills
- can follow instructions and safety procedures
- are keen to learn
- work well with others in a team
- are reliable, trustworthy and punctual
- are willing to abide by the Council's code of conduct for volunteers and staff
- are resident in the UK or in possession of a suitable visa for study or work
How to apply:
A Volunteer Code and Policy can be obtained by ringing the gallery on 01274 431212 and will be available at the interview as well.
Please send your registered interest to:
Sonja Kielty, Volunteer Co-Ordinator Libraries, Museums and Galleries, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Lister Park, Bradford
BD9 4NS Or email: [email protected]
Café Volunteer
The Refreshment Room, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
Responsibilities
- To work under the supervision of museum café staff
- To set up the up the café at the start of the.
- To create a warm, friendly welcome to the café
- To serve food and drink
- To take cash payment and give change
- To keep the café clean and tidy throughout the days service e.g. clear and wipe tables
- To help with the cleaning up throughout the service and at the end of the session
- To work according to agreed food hygiene and healthy and safety guidelines
Training and support
You will be given a full induction to the site and training by a member of staff in all aspects of the role. Aprons, gloves and all necessary equipment will be provided. The Catering Manager will be working with you and will be in a position of responsibility for your work.
Person specification
This role is suitable for people who
- Are interested in supporting Cartwright Hall Art Gallery
- Enjoy communicating with members of the public
- Have good interpersonal skills
- Can follow instructions and safety procedures
- Are keen to learn and are willing to receive specialist training
- Work well with others in a team
- Are reliable, trustworthy and punctual
- Are willing to abide by our code of conduct for volunteers
How to apply
If you are interested in this role, please send your completed application form to Sonja Kielty, Volunteer Co-Ordinator, Libraries, Museums and Galleries, [email protected]
Volunteer Gallery Enabler
Bolling Hall Museum
We are seeking to recruit a team of volunteer gallery assistants to support visitors with access to our school holiday family activities.
Responsibilites
- maintain the interactives throughout the day eg. tidy gallery interactives, toy, books etc.
- prepping of materials for family and school activities
- be available to assist and direct visitors with craft materials and activity, answer questions as appropriate
- ensure proper behaviour in the gallery to maintain a warm, fun, welcoming atmosphere for all our visitors and their children.
Training
You will receive an induction necessary to the role including full health and safety. All short-listed applicants will be required to attend a short, informal interview.
Please get in touch if you are:
- are interested in supporting families and children
- feel comfortable coming into contact with and communicating with members of the public and specifically parents and carers
- have good interpersonal skills
- can follow instructions and safety procedures
- are keen to learn
- work well with others in a team
- are reliable, trustworthy and punctual
- are willing to abide by the Council's code of conduct for volunteers and staff
- are resident in the UK or in possession of a suitable visa for study or work
How to apply:
A Volunteer Code and Policy can be obtained by ringing the gallery on 01274 431826 and will be available at the interview as well.
Please send your registered interest to:
Sonja Kielty, Volunteer Co-Ordinator Libraries, Museums and Galleries, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Lister Park, Bradford
BD9 4NS Or email: [email protected]
Volunteer Gardener
Bradford Industrial Museum or Bolling Hall Museum
Join Head Volunteer Gardener, Helen and support her gardening expertise. Beginners welcome, as are those with fantastic experience.
- To work under the supervision of museum staff
- To help maintain the grounds and gardens of museum sites by tidying, weeding, pruning and planting in specific areas
- To receive training as necessary
- To carry out these tasks according to agreed health and safety guidelines
For more information, contact Sonja, on:
[email protected] T: 01274 436027
Thank you so much for giving your time to volunteer for Bradford Museums and Galleries.
We hope you enjoy it!
Volunteer Weaver
Bradford Industrial Museum
We need your help to run and maintain our 19th and early 20th century textile machinery. We’re looking for volunteers to help operate and maintain the looms and textile machines that are part of Bradford Museums Designated Textile Collection along with other types of historic textile processing equipment.
You will help bring our machinery to life, informing visitors about the history and technology of the weaving industry and the Museum’s collection of textile machinery. You will be supported and advised by the Collections & Conservation Team in historically relevant information and caring for working museum collections.
You will be willing to share technical knowledge / experience with other team members and volunteers and assist with training to operate various machines.
You will assist in ensuring the security of the museum, its collections and equipment, public/visitors and staff by invigilating the museum and supervising visitors as appropriate, in the Spinning and Weaving Gallery.
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Experience of operating and maintaining textile machinery.
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Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
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Basic engineering skills and abilities
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practical experience of working with textiles
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Good people skills enabling strong relationships both internally and externally.
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Knowledge of health & safety compliance requirements
How to apply:
A Volunteer Code and Policy can be obtained by ringing the gallery on 01274 431212 and will be available at the interview as well.
Please send your registered interest to:
Sonja Kielty, Volunteer Co-Ordinator Libraries, Museums and Galleries, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, Lister Park, Bradford, BD9 4NS
Or email: [email protected]
Our Street Gallery
We are seeking to recruit a team of volunteer to support an exciting project for the city. Are you willing to help with the following opportunities?
Help us bring a Smile to Bradford. Do you have passion for the arts and its ability to makes changes in society? #ourstreetgallery/smile
Responsibilites
- Social media help, sharing and general vibe building.
- Web based moderator (to keep check on photographic portraits/crop images and generally check all submissions to the website.
- Get the word out there... be an Ambassador for Our Street Gallery and encourage community groups, students, care homes, to get involved. Answer questions people may have with regards to organising their own 'portrait taking' sessions.
- Artworking and getting things ready for print.
General
- Organisation/spreadsheet use for permissions of install contact details.
- Help with the practical organisation and planning of Street Gallery areas and launches.
- Install team help (varying degrees of interaction from pasting up posters to kit packing and cleaning).
- Social media (working alongside the designers and steering group to ensure people know where the art is for, how long).
Training
You will receive an induction necessary to the role including full health and safety. All short-listed applicants will be required to attend a short, informal interview. Do you want to learn production skills and installation techniques? This opportunity will provide solid work skillswith impressive output.
Please get in touch if you are:
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are interested in supporting local communities
-
feel comfortable coming into contact with and communicating with members of the public
-
have good interpersonal skills
-
can follow instructions and safety procedures
-
are keen to learn
-
work well with others in a team
-
are reliable, trustworthy and punctual
-
are willing to abide by the Council's code of conduct for volunteers and staff
-
are resident in the UK or in possession of a suitable visa for study or work
How to apply:
A Volunteer Code and Policy can be obtained by ringing the gallery on 01274 431212 and will be available at the interview as well.
Please send the registration form by Friday 15 January to:
Sonja, via email: [email protected] or telephone 01274 436027