Volunteering
Side offers a range of volunteer opportunities for individuals passionate about photography, visual arts, and community engagement. Volunteering with Side provides valuable experience in arts projects, exhibitions, and public engagement while supporting our mission to showcase the best of documentary photography from the North East and beyond.
Specific project volunteer call outs are done periodically, however below are the key volunteer programmes we have available year-round:
Responsibilities:
Assist in the setting up and dismantling of projects.
Prepare spaces, including handling artworks and ensuring proper display arrangements.
Support curators and technicians in installing and lighting.
Benefits:
Gain practical experience in installation and event preparation.
Develop an understanding of the logistical and technical aspects of photographic curation.
Collaborate closely with curators and artists.
Responsibilities:
Assist in organising and running events, such as artist talks and workshops.
Provide visitor support, distribute materials, and ensure events run smoothly.
Engage with attendees and answer general enquiries about Side.
Benefits:
Develop experience in event management and public programming within an arts setting.
Build connections with professionals in the photography and arts sectors.
Enhance public engagement and communication skills.
Responsibilities:
Support the digitisation of Side Gallery’s archives and the AmberSide Collection.
Assist with the conservation of photographic materials, ensuring long-term preservation.
Help catalogue and document archival materials for accessibility and research purposes.
Benefits:
Gain hands-on experience with archival materials and digitisation techniques.
Learn about preservation and conservation methods relevant to photography and visual arts.
Contribute to the accessibility and longevity of the gallery’s collections.
Responsibilities:
Researching artists, artworks, and locations.
Creating standardised texts and information documents about the AmberSide Collection.
Assist with data management and uploads to the AmberSide digital content management system (Epexio)
Benefits:
Learn about humanist documentary photography.
Gain a deeper understanding of the AmberSide Collection & Archive.
Get professional content management system experience.
Responsibilities:
Assist with the creation of written materials, including newsletters, social media and online blog content.
Research and develop engaging digital content to promote exhibitions, events, and Side's initiatives.
Support audience development efforts by identifying outreach opportunities and analysing engagement trends.
Contribute to content creation for the gallery’s website.
Benefits:
Gain hands-on experience in arts communications.
Mentorship and feedback from our Creative Director.
Develop skills in content writing and arts research.
Build a portfolio of work showcasing your expertise.
How To Get Involved
Side welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in photography, the arts, and community engagement. No prior experience is required for most roles, as training and support will be provided. Volunteering schedules are flexible, allowing participants to contribute based on their availability.
Communications Volunteers, and AmberSide Collection & Archive Volunteers have the option to participate remotely online as well as in person.
To get involved please register your interest and outline which volunteer programme you are most interested in. The Side team review applications on an ad hoc basis but will endeavour to meet with you about your volunteering within four weeks.