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 gallery operations, exhibition management, and public engagement while supporting the gallery's mission to showcase the best of documentary photography.
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 exhibitions.
Prepare gallery spaces, including handling artworks and ensuring proper display arrangements.
Support curators and technicians in installing and lighting exhibitions.
Benefits:
Gain practical experience in exhibition installation and gallery preparation.
Develop an understanding of the logistical and technical aspects of exhibition curation.
Collaborate closely with curators and artists.
Responsibilities:
Assist in organising and running gallery events, such as exhibition openings, artist talks, and workshops.
Provide visitor support, distribute materials, and ensure events run smoothly.
Engage with attendees and answer general enquiries about the gallery and its exhibitions.
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:
Welcome visitors and provide information about current exhibitions and featured artists.
Monitor gallery spaces to ensure the safety and security of artworks and visitors.
Assist with visitor engagement, answer questions, and offer insight into the exhibitions.
Benefits:
Develop strong customer service and communication skills.
Gain a deeper understanding of contemporary photography and visual arts.
Serve as a key representative of the gallery’s public interface.
Responsibilities:
Support the digitisation of Side Gallery’s archives and collections.
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:
Assist with the creation of written materials, including newsletters and online blog content.
Research and develop engaging digital content to promote exhibitions, events, and gallery 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.
Develop skills in content writing and arts research.
Build a portfolio of work showcasing your expertise.
How To Get Involved
Side Gallery 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.
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.