Art volunteer roles

Volunteer with Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure

Stepping Stones is a small, friendly charity in Southwark providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for volunteers to support our sessions in:

• Art (Friday mornings)
• Dance Fit (Thursday mornings and/or afternoons)
• Music (Tuesday mornings and/or afternoons)
• Social Club (Thursday afternoons)

These weekly groups offer creative, social, and wellbeing-focused opportunities for our learners, led by experienced tutors in a relaxed, supportive setting.

All sessions take place at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations)

What You’ll Do

As a volunteer, you’ll be supporting adults with learning disabilities to participate fully in the sessions, connect with others, and enjoy meaningful activities. Your role might include:

• Setting up and packing away equipment and materials
• Welcoming students and their carers or support workers
• Offering encouragement and practical support in one-to-one or small group settings
• Helping tutors to deliver fun, engaging activities

All sessions are led by experienced tutors, and you’ll be part of a warm and supportive staff and volunteer team who are committed to inclusion, creativity and care.

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Build experience working with adults with learning disabilities
• Gain hands on involvement in creative, wellbeing and social activities
• Be part of a welcoming and friendly team
• Develop your confidence, communication and teamwork skills
• Make a meaningful contribution to your local community
• Learn from people with diverse experiences 

Whether you’re exploring a career in social care or looking to give back and become a stronger link in your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Who We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be an expert! We’re looking for people with the right attitude, values, and willingness to support others. Even if you don’t have experience of working with adults with learning disabilities, the following qualities are especially helpful:

• Enthusiasm and positivity. Your energy can set the tone for the group. A cheerful presence helps create a welcoming and encouraging environment.
• Patience. Some learners may take time to engage or communicate. Patience helps build trust and ensures everyone feels supported.
• Reliable and punctual. Many of our learners value consistency and routine. Being dependable helps build rapport and ensures the session runs smoothly.
• Inclusive communication skills. You should feel confident listening carefully, offering clear instructions or encouragement, and adapting your communication to meet individual needs.
• Inclusive and non-judgemental. We welcome people from all walks of life. An open-minded approach helps every learner feel accepted and valued.
• Adaptable and flexible. Things don’t always go to plan. A calm, flexible approach helps maintain a relaxed and safe environment for our sessions to run.
• Ready to get stuck in! Many sessions involve art, music or movement. You don’t need to be an expert, but a willingness to join in and get involved makes a big difference.

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an induction meeting
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteer for a minimum of a year with us.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV and answer the following questions (these will come up when you hit "Apply"):

• What session(s) would you like to volunteer in?
• Why you would like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you will bring to your volunteering role?

Are you interested in becoming Rowan's next Chair of Trustees? Discover how you can join our vibrant team and support adults with learning disabilities through the arts 

Ideally we are seeking applications from people with a background in the following:
• Interest in supporting adults with learning disability,
• Experience as a trustee, and / or previous experience as a Chair,
• Experience in some of the following: finance, budgeting, health and safety, governance, safeguarding and/or strategy.
• Willingness to attend and represent the charity at social events, sometimes in the evenings and at weekends,
• Ability to represent the charity in the community with local dignitaries,
• Interest in the arts.

About Us

The Story Forge Project is a new, grassroots literacy project based in Grantham. We design imaginative, inclusive workshops for children and young people that build confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of words. From festive letter-writing to story zines and sensory map-making, we’re on a mission to make storytelling part of everyday life - for every child, not just the confident ones.

We’re newly constituted, but growing fast, and now we’re looking for a like-minded volunteer to help us grow our funding base and secure support for our pilot projects across Lincolnshire.

The Role

We’re looking for a volunteer with an interest in literacy, books, children’s creativity or arts fundraising to help us design and coordinate a simple fundraising calendar. You don’t need to be a professional fundraiser, just someone organised, curious, and up for helping a new idea take flight.

Key tasks include:

• Researching small grants and funding opportunities (local councils, trusts, literacy/arts schemes)

• Helping shape a 6–12 month calendar of possible applications or fundraising opportunities

• Supporting with simple application templates and tracking

• Optional: helping build relationships with local businesses, bookshops or sponsors

You won’t need to make asks yourself unless you want to, we’re just looking for someone to help us build the plan and shape our direction. You’ll be working closely with our founder (a children’s author) and will be credited as part of the founding team.

You Might Be…

• A former or aspiring fundraiser looking for hands-on experience

• A publishing, arts or charity professional with a bit of time to give

• A parent, teacher or booklover passionate about children’s literacy

• Someone who wants to contribute to a new project from the ground up

What You’ll Get

• A flexible, rewarding role you can shape

• Experience building a fundraising pipeline from scratch

• Insight into grassroots children’s arts and literacy work

• A meaningful credit on our website and publications

How to Apply

Please send a short email telling us a bit about you and why the role interests you. CVs are welcome but not necessary. 

We’re reviewing on a rolling basis and would love to chat. 

We are looking for a Trustee who brings experience and insight in one or more of the following areas:

1. Leadership in the education sector, including schools, FE/HE institutions or youth services

2. Knowledge of arts-based pedagogy and creative learning methodologies

3. Experience with education and culture policy, or involvement in cultural learning partnerships.

This Trustee will also serve as our Board Safeguarding Lead, helping to ensure that our work with young people and vulnerable groups is safe, inclusive and aligned with best practice.

Role Overview

We are seeking two new Trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of Norwich Outpost. As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in ensuring the organisation fulfils its mission and operates within its legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities. Working closely with the Chair and fellow Trustees, you will provide strategic oversight and support to an evolving and dynamic organisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the organisation’s vision, values, and objectives.
• Ensure legal and financial compliance as set out by the Charity Commission.
• Provide guidance and oversight to the curatorial collective, volunteers and contractors.
• Advocate for the charity within your networks and the wider community.
• Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings (online).
• Participate in sub-committees or working groups.
• Assist with fundraising, partnerships, and strategic planning as appropriate.
• Contribute ambitious thinking and specialist know-how to help push the organisation towards new heights.

Person Specifications:

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Prior board experience is strongly desired but not required. We are especially keen to hear from those with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Fundraising and development, particularly in the visual arts.
• Marketing, communications, or audience engagement in the contemporary arts.
• Knowledge and experience in longer-term planning of real estate and capital investment projects.
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Sustainability in the commercial arts.
• Local community knowledge and engagement in Norwich or Norfolk.

What You Will Gain

• The opportunity to support a dynamic board of emerging leaders in the arts, bringing fresh perspectives and a collaborative spirit.
• A chance to help shape an organisation at a pivotal moment of transition and growth.
• Experience contributing to governance and strategic development within the charity sector.
• Direct involvement in supporting early-career artists and shaping artist-led programming at one of the UK’s leading artist spaces.
• Opportunities to connect with curators and arts professionals across a vibrant cultural network, both in the UK and internationally.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and welcoming environment where your contributions are genuinely valued.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short expression of interest outlining why you would like to become a Trustee of Norwich Outpost and what you would bring to the role.

Deadline: 31 August 2025

Norwich Outpost is committed to diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups in the arts.

The Guildford Institute is looking for an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to serve as Chair of its Board of Trustees. This important role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a charity that has been a pivotal part of the community for over 130 years.

Based in our beautiful Grade II listed building since 1892, we provide the local community with accessible cultural education and opportunities to build meaningful connections with others.

We’re seeking a distinguished leader with the following qualities: 

• Leadership & Governance

• Passion for the Arts, Education & Community

• Strategic Thinking

• Financial Acumen

• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion 

Play a vital role in guiding The Guildford Institute to continue to grow, secure its longevity and thrive.

Additional Documents:

Please read our Candidate Brief to find out more about us and the role of the Chair.

Our partner is an acclaimed vocational ballet school providing exceptional full-time classical ballet and academic education, helping students achieve excellence in both the performing arts and wider life.

They are seeking a strategically minded individual with significant experience in financial management to serve as Treasurer. The ideal candidate will be a qualified finance professional with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly, and with a keen interest in the arts.

As a Trustee and Chair of the Finance Sub-Committee, the post holder will oversee the school’s financial health and sustainability, review and present draft budgets and management accounts, advise on reserves and investment policies, and ensure compliance with charity accounting standards.

The Board and Finance Sub-Committee both meet four times a year, with meetings currently taking place remotely. The minimum time commitment required for the role is 5 hours per month.

___________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Become a Trustee or Chair of Lancaster Grand Theatre

Make a difference to Lancaster’s creative life. Bring your skills and passion to one of the city’s most loved cultural venues.

We are now recruiting new Trustees to join the Board of Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO from September 2025, and a future Chair of Trustees to take up the role during 2026.

Applications close: 12 noon, 15 August 2025
Coffee Morning for prospective Trustees: Saturday 12 July, 9:30am

About Lancaster Grand Theatre

Lancaster Grand Theatre is one of the UK’s oldest working theatres, first opened in 1782. Today, our 460-seat Grade II listed venue stages over 250 events every year — bringing joy to thousands of people from across our community and beyond.

The charity that runs the theatre — Lancaster Footlights & Grand Theatre CIO — is powered by volunteers and driven by a commitment to making arts and culture accessible, welcoming and sustainable.

We are now looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees by welcoming new members with a range of skills, experience and perspectives. We are particularly keen to encourage applications from under-represented groups, to ensure our Board reflects the diversity of our community.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking Trustees from a broad range of backgrounds — you don’t need to have previous Board experience. We will provide induction and support to help you thrive in the role.

In particular, we are keen to add skills and expertise in:

• Chair of the Board (future appointment in 2026)
• Safeguarding
• Youth Engagement & Development
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
• Environment & Sustainability
• ICT & Data Control
• Constitutional Compliance & Insurance
• Arts, Culture & Heritage (including archiving)
• Fundraising and Grants
• Facilities Management

We are also looking for candidates who are passionate about the role of live performance in community life, and who can contribute to our mission and values:

Our Mission: To be a place of joy, and a cornerstone of cultural and artistic excellence, for our community and beyond.

The Role of Trustee

As a Trustee, you will be part of a voluntary team that:

· Provides governance and leadership for the charity

· Oversees the management of the theatre and ensures its sustainability

· Supports and champions the theatre’s values and mission

· Ensures good financial stewardship and legal compliance

· Contributes ideas, expertise and time to support our ongoing development

Trustees attend around 6–8 Board meetings per year (usually weekday evenings), plus occasional working groups and events. We aim to create a supportive, collaborative and enjoyable environment for all Trustees.

Chair Role: The current Chair of Trustees will progressively hand over the role during 2026. The incoming Chair will be selected by the Board after the AGM. Support and mentoring will be provided.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply:

Attend our Coffee Morning on 12 July (optional, but recommended)
Submit an application by 12 noon, 15 August 2025

Your application should include:

• A completed Charity Commission declaration form (we will provide this)
• A short statement (up to 500 words) summarising your skills and experience, and why you’d like to join the Board

DOWNLOAD Trustee & Chair Briefing Pack on website.

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

We are looking for a passionate and creative volunteer to assist in leading our Acrylic Painting sessions. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys art, has a keen interest in acrylic painting, and is enthusiastic about supporting others in their creative journey.

This group will run on Monday between 11am and 1pm!

What you will be doing

• Assist the session leader in setting up and organizing art materials before the session.
• Support participants with basic acrylic painting techniques, color mixing, and brushwork.
• Provide encouragement and guidance to attendees, helping them feel comfortable and inspired. independent activities
• Help maintain a clean and safe workspace by managing supplies and cleaning up after sessions.
• Assist with any administrative tasks, such as attendance tracking or taking photographs of completed artwork (if permitted).
• Ensure all health and safety guidelines are followed.

The skills you need

• Basic knowledge of acrylic painting techniques (formal training is not required but is a plus).
• Passion for art and creativity.
• Patience and good communication skills to assist participants of all skill levels.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions from the session leader.
• Reliable, punctual, and willing to commit to regular sessions.
• No prior teaching experience is necessary, but a willingness to engage and support others is essential.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Role title – Treasurer
Hours – 1–2 days per month plus quarterly Board meetings
Location – Remote with some London Board meetings
Salary – Voluntary role
Travel requirement – Occasional
Contract type – Voluntary
Accountable to – Chair of Trustees, working closely with CEO and Board of Trustees
Start date – October 2025

About the Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust

The Stephen Dodgson Charitable Trust was established in 2015 to celebrate and support the music and legacy of British composer Stephen Dodgson (1924–2013). Stephen Dodgson had a long, distinguished and multifaceted career as a composer, Professor at the Royal College of Music and Radio 3 broadcaster. His musical voice could be both playful and deeply evocative, and he was much loved as a mentor to younger generations of musicians that worked with and taught. Particularly renowned for classical guitar compositions, he wrote widely for multiple idioms including chamber, orchestral, choral, solo voice and operatic works and has been recorded by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Bernard Roberts piano trio, Karolos, Magnard and Perpetuo ensembles, and singers Ailish Tynan, Katie Bray, James Gilchrist, Marcus Farnsworth and Roderick Williams.

The Trust awards grants to musicians, ensembles, festivals, educational institutions and arts organisations that perform, record or promote Dodgson’s music in line with the Trust’s charitable aims. The Trust responds to external grant applications and we also curate our own artistic and commemorative projects. A small, dedicated Board of Trustees works closely with the Trust CEO to guide and support the organisation’s work, ensuring funds are used thoughtfully and make a lasting, meaningful difference to the classical music community.

Recent projects also include a beautiful centenary book, a collection of essays and fond reminiscences about Stephen Dodgson – the man and the musician – which came out in 2024.

About the Role

The Trust is looking for a Treasurer to join our Board and take the lead in overseeing the charity’s finances. This is a key role, offering the chance to make a direct impact on the Trust’s ability to support musicians and projects with confidence and transparency.

The Treasurer is responsible for both strategic oversight and hands-on financial management — from preparing budgets and reports to supporting the Chair, CEO and fellow Trustees in financial planning and risk management. This rewarding role will help many interesting and worthwhile projects come to fruition and includes plenty of opportunities to enjoy attending concerts and other similar events. (Recent events include two epic concerts featuring major Dodgson works at St John’s Smith Square, the opening night of this year’s Barnes Music Festival and a Snape Maltings performance of Dodgson’s four-act opera Margaret Catchpole.)

This role would suit someone with financial management skills or similar, and a fair knowledge of and interest in classical music, arts funding, and charitable work more generally. A good communicator who enjoys working collaboratively with others and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to promote music and musicians – especially young musicians ­ will thrive in this role.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trustee

• Help guide the Trust’s overall strategy and governance
• Ensure the charity’s funds are managed responsibly and in line with our objectives
• Contribute to grant-making decisions and long-term planning
• Act in the best interests of the Trust and support our mission and values
• Represent the Trust at sponsored performances and events

As Treasurer

• Maintain an overview of the Trust’s financial health
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations: bookkeeping, invoice payments, bank statement reconciliations
• Prepare quarterly bank account reconciliations and financial outlooks for the Board
• Ensure compliance with charity law and financial regulations, including annual reports to the Charity Commission
• Advise on budgeting, cashflow, reserves, and investment planning 
• Monitor financial risks and ensure appropriate policies and controls are in place
• Apply at least once a year to HMRC to claim Gift Aid on donations made to the Trust
• Keep Charity Commission and HMRC records up to date
• Work closely with the CEO in aligning financial decisions with impact and priorities, and maintaining contact with ongoing projects

Supporting the Chair

• Assist the Chair in providing leadership and direction for the Board, and enabling the Board to fulfil their responsibilities
• Ensure that the Trust pursues our objects as defined in our governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation/regulations
• Support the Chair in enabling well-rounded and strategic discussions among Trustees
• Work in partnership with the Chair and Trustees to support the CEO and freelance staff, helping them achieve the aims of the organisation

What the Trust Is Looking For

Essential:

• Financial management experience, ideally within or alongside the charity or arts sector
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain finance clearly to others
• Familiarity with accounting software (e.g. Excel, Googlesheets, Xero or similar)
• A sound understanding of financial governance and reporting requirements

Desirable:

• An interest in classical music or the wider arts
• Experience working with or advising a charity, arts organisation, or funding body
• A collaborative, thoughtful, and supportive approach

Time Commitment

• Attend 3–4 Board meetings per year (virtual or in-person, London)
• Ongoing oversight of financial matters (1–2 days per month)
• Occasional availability for guidance or working groups between meetings
• Optional attendance at concerts, festivals and other Dodgson celebrations.

Deadline: Deadline: 22nd September
 

Created in 1984, Taunton Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra is seeking a new Chair of Trustees to help lead us into an exciting new phase.

We are a friendly and well-regarded chamber orchestra based in Somerset. We’re looking for someone with a passion for music and the performing arts, and an interest in helping a small charity to thrive.

You don’t need to be a musician — but it might help! Experience in leadership, charity governance, fundraising, finance, or community engagement would be very welcome.

What’s involved?

·Helping to shape the future direction of the orchestra

·Chairing trustee meetings and supporting the Board

·Acting as an advocate for the orchestra in the community

Practical details:

·Location: Somerset (some remote working possible)

·Time commitment: Flexible, part-time

·Salary: Voluntary / unpaid

·Closing date: 30 September 2025

Interested?
We’d love to hear from you! Please send a short note explaining your interest and any relevant skills/experience. Email can be found when clicking "How to Apply"

​We usually only hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each school term, we will confirm the next date once you have applied.

Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment.  We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.

Your duties will include:

• Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
• Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
• Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
• Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
• Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
• Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
• Supervising the children during break times;
• Supporting the children during class trips;
• Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
• Providing feedback and comments to the Rainbow Club Headteacher when required.

Volunteer Treasurer needed to join 6million+ Educational Trust
I am a trustee of 6million+, an amazing community-based charity that integrates creative arts with refugees and local volunteers in West Yorkshire, telling stories of refuge and delivering projects of hope.

While we have just recruited four fantastic trustees, our existing Treasurer is stepping down and we are looking for a successor to fill this role.

The turnover of the charity is small, with a turnover of around £30,000 each year. The Treasurer has responsibility for managing and overseeing the charity's financial affairs, ensuring they are legal, constitutional and follow accepted accounting practices, including working with our accountants to complete the annual accounts. On-going Treasurer responsibilities include administering payments, informing grant applications, invoicing partners for commissioned work and drawing down payments from funders.The post-holder will also be a trustee with an expectation of 6 meetings a year, probably 3 online and 3 face to face and to take an active interest in the organisation.

Ready to shape the future of artist-led creativity and equity in East London? Chisenhale Dance Space is seeking trustees with skills in finance, law, communications, philanthropy, strategy, and campaigning.

We’re entering a bold new phase—and need curious, principled thinkers to help guide us. Whether you're a finance professional passionate about transparent budgeting, a legal expert keen to safeguard community assets, a strategic communicator ready to amplify radical voices, or an entrepreneurial changemaker excited by regenerative revenue models—this is your invitation to lead with purpose.

CDS supports over 230 artists annually, 70% of whom are from marginalised backgrounds. As a trustee, you’ll play a vital role in deepening our equity-led approach across governance, advocacy, and financial resilience. From championing accessible design and fundraising culture to advising on leases, campaign strategy, or creative studio use—your expertise will help keep artist-led innovation at the heart of everything we do.

We welcome trustees with lived experience of marginalisation and those new to board work. Quarterly meetings are held online or in East London, and access costs are covered.

If you’re ready to co-create a more inclusive, imaginative arts sector—this is your moment to make space for real change.