Volunteer Guide Program
A rewarding experience that supports our mission of enriching lives through art.
Volunteer Guide
Perfect for art lovers and anyone looking for a meaningful and rewarding community experience, our Volunteer Guide program offers the opportunity to connect people with art and ideas. Volunteer guides play an important role in creating welcoming and engaging experiences for visitors to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.
No previous experience is necessary; comprehensive training is provided. New volunteer guides are welcomed into the program each September.
Volunteer guides actively engage visitors in the interpretation and understanding of art by sharing visual literacy tools, explaining exhibition concepts and artistic contexts, and facilitating meaningful discussion. Guides are expected to be sensitive and responsive to the diverse needs of visitors, including different learning styles, cultural backgrounds, ages, and accessibility needs. Volunteer guides are required to lead a minimum of ten tours per year. Tours may include pre-booked private tours as well as regular gallery tours offered to visitors.
New volunteer guides are accepted into the program each September. They must attend training sessions at the gallery every Monday from 10 am to noon, September through May. The sessions are two hours long and cover four main areas: art education practices, art history, our collection, and new exhibitions and ideas. Sessions include presentations and activities led by our education staff, artists, curators, and art historians. All volunteer guides receive a manual to accompany their training.
Gallery Connect: The Beaverbrook Art Gallery Student Ambassador Program
Gallery Connect is a volunteer program for university students and young adults who are passionate about art, culture, and community. Volunteers help bring the Beaverbrook Art Gallery to life by leading tours, welcoming and engaging visitors, supporting events and programs, and assisting with activities throughout the Gallery. Whether hosting in the galleries or helping behind the scenes, Gallery Connect volunteers play an important role in creating welcoming and meaningful experiences for our visitors. Gallery Connect members commit to a minimum of two two-hour shifts per month.
Gallery Connect members will attend training sessions at the gallery every Thursday from 5:00-6:00pm, September through May. The sessions cover four main areas: art education practices, art history, our collection, and new exhibitions and ideas. Sessions include presentations and activities led by our education staff, artists, curators, and art historians.
Cultural Ambassador:
Cultural Ambassadors help create a welcoming and engaging experience for visitors to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. During their shifts, Cultural Ambassadors host the galleries, welcome visitors, answer questions, provide information about the Beaverbrook and its exhibitions, and help visitors feel comfortable exploring the space.
No previous experience is necessary. Cultural Ambassadors commit to a minimum of two two-hour shifts per month.
Cultural Ambassadors must attend training sessions at the Gallery every Monday from 10:00 a.m. to noon, from September through May with the Volunteer Guides. The two-hour sessions cover four main areas: art education practices, art history, the Gallery’s collection, and new exhibitions and ideas. Sessions include presentations and activities led by our education staff, artists, curators, and art historians. All Cultural Ambassadors receive a manual to accompany their training.
Conditions of Volunteering for Volunteer Guides, Gallery Connects, and Cultural Ambassadors
Volunteers are required to wear a name tag and adhere to the Gallery’s dress code.
Volunteers must provide a vulnerable sector check. The Gallery will reimburse the cost of the check.
Volunteers must authorize the Beaverbrook Art Gallery to take and use photographs and videos that include them for Gallery-related purposes.
Volunteers are expected to support the Beaverbrook Art Gallery’s mandate and respect Gallery policies and decisions.
Benefits of Volunteering:
Beaverbrook Art Gallery Membership: Upon completing a minimum of 10 volunteer hours, you will receive an Individual Membership to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, providing access to member benefits and opportunities to engage more deeply with the Gallery.
Formal Training and Professional Development: Gain valuable knowledge and experience through formal training sessions led by Gallery staff, artists, curators, and art historians. Develop skills in art education, visitor engagement, art history, and museum practices.
Meet New People and Build Community: Connect with fellow volunteers, Gallery staff, artists, cultural professionals, and visitors. Volunteering provides a welcoming opportunity to meet new people, build relationships, and become more connected to the local arts and cultural community.
Register to become a Volunteer Guide, Gallery Connect Member, or a Cultural Ambassador
If you are interested in joining the volunteer guide program, please fill out the application and send it to education@beaverbrookartgallery.org. Please include the program you are applying for in the subject line.
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