Volunteers

"Thank you for the experience of acting as facilitator in the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery during Pandora's Box. Most visitors were very curious and impressed with the works, how they related to each other, and the variety of mediums used. Many were also familiar with the high-profile female contemporary artists in the exhibition, and happy to see such an important show in Kitchener. I very much enjoyed my time in the Gallery and being surrounded by artists' work that I had studied at UW. The Gallery staff is lovely to work with as well. Thank you very much for this volunteer experience." - Sherry Czekus, UW Fine Arts MA Student, 2010

 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Black & Gold Gala

The Black & Gold Gala is the gallery's largest fundraising event and is dedicated to supporting visual art in the community. The event takes place each year in October and showcases a wonderful combination of creativity, cuisine and conversation.

We are in search of volunteers to join our existing team by taking on various roles, including but not limited to: set-up, material preparation, clean-up, decorating, coat check, registration, greeting, live and silent auction, art activities, and more. If you would describe yourself as having a positive attitude, able to take direction and assist with some heavy lifting (and delicate handling of art work), then this is the volunteer opportunity for you!

• Requirements: Some experience in special events, a positive attitude, and the willingness to help where needed.
• Time: Varies depending on position; generally the day before and day of event.
• Minimum Age: 16

Gallery Material Distribution

KW|AG strives to be seen in as many venues as possible throughout the Region. The Gallery relies greatly on volunteers to help distribute Gallery materials to various businesses and organizations. 

Do you enjoy walking the downtown beat or taking in a weekday drive? We require volunteers to deliver our marketing materials to prearranged sites throughout Waterloo Region and Guelph. Mileage/bus fare will be reimbursed.

• Requirements: Friendly and outgoing; possibly a vehicle.
• Time:  Flexible days and times throughout the year.
• Minimum Age: 16

Reception Relief

From time to time, the Gallery requires a friendly individual to cover the front reception desk for occasional one-hour shifts. This position would require availability Monday through Friday at varying times throughout the day. 

• Requirements: Excellent customer service skills, comfortable using a multi-line phone system, and genuine interest in serving the general public.
• Time: Business hours, Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
• Minimum Age: 18

Art Material Preparation

KW|AG often requires volunteers to help prepare art materials for various events, courses, and activities run by the gallery.

• Requirements: Comfort/experience handling delicate materials, comfortable working with a variety of artistic techniques, working in a team atmosphere.
• Time: Business hours, Monday to Friday (9am-5pm)
• Minimum Age: 16

Installation & Curatorial Assistance

KW|AG presents multiple exhibitions throughout the year in our three gallery spaces. Often the installation for these exhibits requires assistance from volunteers who want to experience a behind-the-scenes look at preparing works of art for display.

• Requirements: Receiving and handling of a variety of works, assist in preparing exhibit labels and extended exhibit labels, assist with the presentation of works, preparing works for shipping, show set-up and dismantling of exhibits, handling of props and mounting pieces for exhibits, painting, preparing and organizing space behind the scenes
• Time: Flexible times during business hours, Monday to Friday (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Mailing Preparation

KW|AG strives to develop awareness of the arts in our community, and mail outs are one of the integral ways of getting out that message. Volunteers are a critical part of the process, and we require assistance to help with mail outs to inform the community of news and special events.

• Requirements: Working in a team, comfortable with handling sensitive information.
• Time: Usually evenings or weekends

Family Sundays

KW|AG Family Sundays are free drop-in events at the Gallery. The program involves in-Gallery interactive activities related to the current exhibitions and hands-on art-making workshops where families can play with materials and produce their own artwork to take home.
 
Volunteer Roles:

• 1. Art Activity Assistant: Help with set-up and clean-up, supervise the Gallery activities, meet and greet families, answer visitor questions, help guide creative play (and have fun of course!) We maintain and promote a warm, welcoming, and helpful attitude toward all visitors and their art making. 
• 2. Marketing Assistant: We require a friendly and outgoing individual to collect information from our program participants. 
• Time: Flexible between 1:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• Minimum Age: 16

Events Assistant

KW|AG holds several special events throughout the year, each with its own distinct identity and purpose. In the past these have included openings for each gallery exhibit, as well as for KidSpark and Word on the Street.

• Requirements: Set up and tear down of events and rentals; assisting staff and co-ordinator during special events and rentals; handling of props, working with sound system crews for various events; preparing and organizing space behind the scenes; food preparation before and during events and assisting with greeting and directing visitors.
• Minimum Age: 16

Board of Directors

The Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery is a non-profit organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. In recruiting new board members, the Gallery seeks individuals who have a sincere interest in the visual arts, an understanding of governance issues in the non-profit sector, and excellent community connections. To learn more, email development@kwag.on.ca.

Becoming a Volunteer

Join KW|AG's Volunteer Team. The opportunities vary depending on your interests and skill set.

You can become a KW|AG volunteer in the following ways:

• By Email: Complete our volunteer application form and email it to volunteer@kwag.on.ca.
• In Person: Stop by KW|AG and chat with our Marketing & Development Assistant about the current volunteer opportunities that are available.
• By Phone: Contact (519) 579-5860 ext. 221 for more information.
• By Mail: Complete the volunteer application form and mail it, with your volunteering opportunity preference to:
  
  Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
  Attention: Marketing & Development Assistant/Volunteer Coordinator
  101 Queen Street North
  Kitchener, ON  N2H 6P7
  (519) 579-5860 ext. 221
  volunteer@kwag.on.ca