Arts and culture volunteer roles

Help Shape the Future of Craft, Creativity, and Community

New Brewery Arts - recently named one of the UK’s top 5 cultural venues - is looking for a new Chair of Trustees to join us in the spring of 2026.

At the heart of everything we do is our purpose: to connect people with the hand-made, promote the joy and fulfilment of making, and celebrate the role of craft and creativity in all our lives. This is a chance to lead an organisation that champions creativity and community, and to help us secure a strong and sustainable future while growing our impact and reach.

As Chair, you’ll provide leadership to a skilled and committed Board and work in close partnership with our CEO. You’ll ensure strong governance, support and challenge the executive team, and create the right conditions for the Board and the organisation to thrive. You’ll also act as a powerful advocate for New Brewery Arts and all we stand for.

We’re looking for someone who brings credibility, leadership, and a genuine commitment to creativity and craft. You don’t need previous Chair experience, what matters most is your ability to offer insight, ask the right questions, and help guide good decisions. We value curiosity, challenge, and constructive support.

If you’re excited by creativity, community, and the transformative power of craft and want to play a key role in shaping New Brewery Arts as it turns 50 we’d love to hear from you.

Application Deadline:10am, Monday 2 March

Interviews: Friday 13 March

Are you passionate about spirituality, creativity, and making a positive difference through the arts? The Spiritual Arts Foundation (SAF) is looking for a General Manager to help us coordinate, organise, and inspire our growing community of artists and volunteers.

The Spiritual Arts Foundation is the UK’s first arts organisation dedicated to exploring and promoting spirituality in the arts. Founded by musician and composer Clifford White, SAF now represents over 200 creative members — including artists, writers, filmmakers, performers, and musicians — each contributing their own unique perspective on spiritual creativity. Our website hosts hundreds of in-depth member articles, interviews, and features exploring the intersection between art, consciousness, and the human spirit.

We also run the Spiritual Creatives Meetup group, with more than 2,400 members, hosting events, talks, and creative gatherings both online and in person. Alongside this, we are developing exciting new projects including Spirit Songs, our upcoming record label, as well as plans for festivals, workshops, and exhibitions that celebrate and inspire spiritual creativity.

The General Manager will work closely with the Founder to turn ideas into action. This is a communications-focused, hands-on role that involves supporting volunteer teams, managing projects, coordinating events, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. You’ll help oversee multiple initiatives — from fundraising and planning new creative ventures to maintaining communication between teams and keeping projects on track.

Key areas of involvement include:

• Coordinating volunteers and team communication

• Helping to plan and schedule events, particularly for our Spiritual Creatives community

• Supporting the launch of Spirit Songs, our new record label

• Assisting with fundraising and partnership development

• Maintaining our online presence (WordPress and social media)

• Supporting creative planning and strategy alongside the Founder

This is an unpaid volunteer role, but if we are successful in raising funding, it has the potential to become a paid position for the right person.

This role would suit someone who is organised, practical, calm, and creative, with an interest in spirituality, arts, and community development. Experience in any of the following areas would be helpful — arts management, events, marketing, communications, or project coordination — but we are open to all backgrounds if you’re passionate and willing to learn.

You’ll be part of a welcoming, imaginative, and purpose-driven community, helping to shape the next chapter of the Spiritual Arts Foundation’s journey. The role is flexible, remote, and collaborative, allowing you to contribute in ways that suit your skills and availability.

If you’re inspired by the idea of bringing people together to explore spirituality through art — and want to help an innovative organisation grow and flourish — we’d love to hear from you.

Art Explora is a non-profit arts organisation that aims to share arts and culture with everyone - locally, nationally and internationally - and inspire new encounters between arts and audiences.

Arts at Home supports older people to access arts and culture by encouraging conversation and connection through art. We are looking for volunteers to participate in our "Arts at Home" sessions in residential care homes. In these sessions, you will introduce works of art of your choice and facilitate conversations around the artworks with residents. No prior professional experience is needed; we will provide you with the necessary training.

You will need to be able to travel to Birmingham locations independently (pre agreed local travel expenses paid). 

Why you'll love it:

• You will meet new people & alleviate feelings of loneliness through creativity and connection.
• You will be offered spaces on trips to galleries and theatres with our care setting residents as part of our ‘Art Explorers at...’ project. 
• You will learn about art, heritage, and history, through your research and other volunteers.
• You will develop communication and public speaking skills
• You will gain experience working with vulnerable adults and build an understanding of how art can support a sense of community and wellbeing. 

If you are a confident communicator and passionate about arts, we would love to hear from you!

Arts at Home brings conversations about art to people as a tool to tackle loneliness and isolation. Volunteers choose artworks in advance of each session to present to the residents, and though a small amount of preparation is required, prior knowledge of art history is not. Instead, the sessions are participatory and informal, with a focus on communication and connection. Often an artwork will spark conversation about something else entirely, with residents and volunteers reminiscing about past experiences, sharing stories and finding common ground! 

NICOLA Arts is an artist-led charity and community space based in London, supporting young creatives, artists and local communities through art, culture and social projects. We are looking for volunteers to support our shop and community space, helping with daily activities, customer service, visual displays and the organisation of events, exhibitions and creative workshops. This is an ongoing volunteering opportunity with flexible shifts, ideal for students, creatives and anyone interested in gaining hands-on experience in an arts and community-led environment. Details Volunteers will support different aspects of the NICOLA Arts space, including: welcoming visitors and assisting customers helping with shop organisation and visual presentation supporting events, exhibitions, jam sessions and workshops assisting the team with day-to-day activities No previous experience is required — just enthusiasm, reliability and an interest in arts and community work

Bromley Arts Trust CIO Opportunity to join the Board of Trustees

Ready for a challenge? Good team player? Good at seeing the bigger picture ?

Consider joining our small Board of Trustees. The Board of Bromley Arts Trust is eager to expand the number of trustees and is looking for enthusiastic individuals with special skills and wide-ranging experience to enjoy finding solutions. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or are considering becoming one, we would like to hear from you.

If you have the time (estimated to average 2 to 3 days per month) to undertake this exciting role do complete the application pack and send this with your CV and covering letter to the Business Manager at Bromley Arts Trust.

Spare Tyre Theatre Company are recruiting voluntary non-executive board members with a passion for participatory theatre arts. New trustees will be joining us at an exciting time for the company, as we implement our next 3-5 year strategy; prepare for our 50th anniversary year in 2027; continue our year-round programme of creative participatory workshops; and develop two new touring productions: What Will Happen to the Cat? and Vanishing Point.

Spare Tyre is one of the UK’s leading participatory theatre companies. We are an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation and are an artist, disability and female led charity. We make inclusive arts and theatre productions, experiences and projects in arts venues and non-traditional arts spaces with people that are under-represented in arts, culture and society’s wider decision making. Built on nearly 50 years’ experience, our work is participatory, collaborative, immersive, taboo-busting and above all responsive to the passions and talents of the people who make it. 

We are recruiting 2 – 3 voluntary non-executive board members. We do not require trustees to have specific experience in the arts, and are seeking to increase the experience and diversity of our board, particularly in the areas of:

• Lived experience and/or a professional background working with people in the Care sector and/or people living with dementia and/or long-term health conditions

• Experience of, or a desire to, engage with inclusive working practices 

• Participatory arts practitioners

• Environmental responsibility

• Digital and social media

• Marketing and PR

• Understanding of publicly funded arts at a strategic level

Key Accountabilities of a Trustee are to:

• Act as ambassadors, champions and advocates for the organisation

• Approve strategic plans, budgets, annual accounts and policies

• Be willing to contribute your time and share your knowledge

• Provide advice and support for the Executive team

• Sit on committees and panels as required

• Engage in the fundraising strategy and development activities wherever possible

• Attend performances and other events by Spare Tyre and peer companies

• Understand the commitment required to join the Board

• Understand the legal requirements of being a charity Trustee: Gov UK have prepared some 5-minute guides for charity trustees that can be accessed here

Key Characteristics of a Spare Tyre Trustee are to:

• Promote and model Spare Tyre’s culture of inclusion, openness and collaboration

• Monitor and evaluate progress against targets and ACE Investment Principles

• Be passionate about the company’s work

• Be ready to challenge and provoke

• Be excited to promote an inclusive culture 

Chair of the Board of Trustees 

Norwich Arts Students' Union 

Location: Norwich, Norfolk 

Contract: Voluntary,Trustee Position 

Time commitment: Approximately 18 days per year (including Board meetings, preparation, and additional responsibilities) 

Closing date: Noon, Tuesday 24th February 2026 

About Norwich Arts Students' Union 

Norwich Arts Students' Union (NASU) is the representative body for students at Norwich University of the Arts, dedicated to enriching the student experience by helping students find their voice, their people, and their fun. 

Having become an incorporated charity in 2025, NASU is navigating an incredibly exciting period of growth and transformation with ambitions become the best Small and Specialist Students' Union in the UK. Since 2023, their team has expanded from one staff member to 4 full-time and 7 part-time colleagues alongside two sabbatical officers, and they have undergone a complete financial and structural transformation.

About the Role 

This is a defining leadership opportunity to chair the Board of Trustees at a critical and exciting moment in NASU's journey. As Chair, you will provide strategic guidance and governance leadership to an organisation that is rapidly maturing whilst centring its creative, student-led values. 

Working in close partnership with the Managing Director and elected student officers, you will ensure the Board operates effectively, holds the organisation accountable to its charitable objectives, and champions a culture of empowerment, inclusion and innovation. You will guide the Board in balancing ambitious growth with financial sustainability, ensuring that students remain at the heart of everything they do.

About You 

NASU are seeking an experienced and empathetic leader with a strong understanding of membership organisations and the unique dynamics of supporting student-led bodies to grow sustainably. You will have demonstrable experience of working at a senior level in Students' Unions or similar charitable organisations, ideally with governance or Board experience. 

You will be someone who values creativity, champions inclusive leadership and approaches governance with both rigour and humanity. Your leadership style will be collaborative and empowering, combining strategic thinking with emotional intelligence and a genuine passion for the student experience. 

How to Apply 

Please click 'apply now' or contact Atkinson HR if you have any queries or would like to arrange an informal discussion. The application includes submission of a CV and short covering letter addressing the following: 

• Why are you interested in this role and how do your personal values align with NASU's mission and vision? 

• What experience and achievements make you a strong candidate to chair our Board at this stage of our development? 

• How would your leadership approach support NASU in becoming the best Small and Specialist Students' Union in the UK? 

Key Dates 

• Applications close: Noon, 24th February 2026 

• Interviews: 13th March 2026 

Job Description

We are seeking four new Trustees to join our Board. This application process is rolling, meaning there is no deadline - so please enquire and apply sooner rather than later! We anticipate the process will conclude in mid-2026.

Who are we?

We are a disability-led arts organisation which works to improve access to culture for disabled people by providing opportunities for disabled creatives, training cultural institutions to be more open to disabled people, and through running participatory arts and development programmes.

Our programmes have run for fifty years, supporting disabled creatives and those facing disabling barriers to creative careers or audience participation. Our current programme finds us opening new avenues for disabled creatives through commissioning, exhibitions, and learning-based support such as residencies, advice, and guidance.

We continue to break new ground in digital spheres and advocating for disabled people struggling to access the arts and creative industries through our consultancy services.

We work across three main areas:

1. A creative programme, working directly with disabled creatives
2. Heritage projects, documenting the social history of disabled people
3. Access consultancy, including training and auditing

We receive funding from Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund to support our creative programme and heritage projects.

We are recruiting disabled and non-disabled voluntary Board members. As a member of our Board, you will gain an insight to how the arts and cultural industries in the UK work. From lived experience to professional experience, we are looking for people from all backgrounds who are passionate about the arts and its potential to change disabled people's lives to join our Board.

Please read or listen to all guidance on our site before applying!

Job Requirements

The Board and Shape's Executive Team meet four times a year - once every three months. Each meeting takes up about half a day.

In addition, Trustees are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the yearly Away Day, both of which happen once per year.

The main responsibilities of any Charity Trustee are outlined by the Charity Commission. You can browse their '5-minute guides' for Trustees on their website.

The Nolan Principles of Public Life set the standards for how our trustees are expected to conduct themselves. These are:

• Selflessness
• Integrity
• Objectivity
• Accountability
• Openness
• Honesty
• Leadership

You can read more about these principles on the UK Government's website.

Job Responsibilities

Our team of Trustees are responsible for ensuring that:

• Shape complies with its Memorandum and Articles of Association, and that it pursues only the objectives which are defined in it
• Shape complies with charity law, employment law and other relevant legislation or regulations
• Shape is financially viable
• the Board is defining goals and setting targets for the organisation, and that performance is evaluated against these targets
• Shape's ethos and reputation are safeguarded
• Administration is effective and efficient and we are accountable to our stakeholders and funders

The Board are also responsible for:

• Contributing to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction
• Appointing the Chief Executive and monitoring their performance
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels, as required
• Attending either the Finance, HR and Risk, or Programme and Development Sub Committees

This is an opportunity to use your expertise and skills in website development and social media presentation to make a difference to the arts in Ukraine. Our charity is focused on projects within Ukraine to support the future of dance there. This volunteer role will play a key role in fundraising and communications in support of this work.

Responsibilities:

Website:

• Developing and maintaining website (currently Wix)
• SEO and analytics

 Social media:

• Technical support for development of presence on Instagram, Facebook
• Support for Fundraising and Communications Manager in development of presentation

Technical oversight:

• Ensure and advise on security
• Ensure data protection compliance
• Advise on development of technical support for administration of the charity

 Key Skills / Attributes:

• Strong interest in volunteering within the arts in the third sector
• Strong experience of website development and maintenance
• Knowledge of JavaScript, SQL useful
• Experience in use of social media for corporate communications

Likely to have had 3 years plus relevant professional experience supporting corporate communications or  marketing or similar disciplines.

About Proteus

Proteus is an award-winning theatre company that believes the audience is as vital as the artist. The company holds that truly dynamic and relevant theatre emerges when audience and artist inspire each other’s imagination. Quality, integrity, and innovation lie at the heart of Proteus’ work and form the criteria by which its success is measured. Founded in 1981 and based in Basingstoke, Hampshire, Proteus has a long-standing history of creating and presenting high-quality work that serves both local and national audiences.

The Role

Proteus is actively seeking new members to join its Board of Trustees, offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. The company is committed to transforming society through radical acts of kindness and believes in the universal value of the performing arts. Trustees will support Proteus’ mission to make culture thrive within the local community while helping to deliver theatre that tours across the UK.

Trustees contribute to creating innovative theatre and support leading artists working in the performing arts today. They help bring diverse forms of art—including theatre, circus, music, spoken word, visual art, cabaret, and film—to Basingstoke communities at accessible prices.

Beyond producing touring theatre, Proteus operates as a non-profit organisation that runs an arts centre, artists’ studios, a gallery, a café, and a wide-ranging programme of support for artists. Trustees engage with a dynamic organisation whose activities span local and international stages.

Serving as a Trustee offers a fulfilling and enjoyable experience, providing opportunities to meet artists from across the industry, collaborate with Proteus staff and fellow board members, and help shape the future of one of the South’s most exciting arts organisations.

Who Proteus is Looking For

Proteus seeks individuals who are enthusiastic and passionate about the arts as a force for social change. Prospective trustees should share the company’s conviction in the transformative power of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity. Proteus actively encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and experiences.

Even those who feel they may not meet every criterion are encouraged to get in touch, as the organisation values the whole person and provides support for new trustees to develop their skills on the job.

Trustee Responsibilities

Trustees serve on a voluntary, unpaid basis. The primary purpose of the board is to ensure that Proteus achieves its objectives. Trustees are expected to:

• Attend four board meetings per year (usually via Zoom) for a minimum term of three years and participate in an annual one-day board retreat in Basingstoke.

• Attend Proteus performances and events when possible.

• Support fundraising activities where possible.

• Provide advice and guidance to staff as required.

• Commit to the mission and values of Proteus.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a Trustee.

• Ensure Proteus is well-governed and complies with its constitutional and charitable objectives.

• Act as ambassadors for Proteus, opening doors and helping expand networks and contacts.

• Contribute actively to Proteus’ strategic direction and development, offering ideas, connections, and support in growing its network of partners, supporters, and donors.

About ArtClusiv
ArtClusiv is a creative social enterprise that exists to amplify and empower BIPOC creatives across all disciplines, including music, visual arts, performance, design, and more. We create spaces where creativity, culture, and community meet. Our work addresses systemic barriers in the mainstream arts world and promotes a more fair, visible, and supportive ecosystem for underrepresented voices.
We do this through skills training, access to opportunities, artist visibility, fair payment advocacy, and a safe, inclusive community that celebrates identity and artistry.

Volunteer Board Member (Director)
ArtClusiv is seeking an experienced and committed board member to help guide our mission and shape our long term impact. This role is ideal for someone with leadership experience in the arts, community development, creative industries, nonprofit governance, or cultural equity work.

Role Overview
As a board member, you will provide strategic oversight and help ensure that ArtClusiv continues to grow in a focused, values driven direction. Your guidance will support our goals of increasing visibility, strengthening partnerships, and securing funding to expand our programmes and opportunities for BIPOC creatives.
You will work closely with the founder and fellow directors to advise on organisational development, sustainability, grant applications, stakeholder engagement, and ethical governance.

Key Responsibilities
• Offer strategic advice to help shape the long term direction of ArtClusiv
• Support funding strategy and help identify grant opportunities and partnership prospects
• Provide oversight on governance, risk management, and community accountability
• Champion the mission and act as an ambassador for ArtClusiv in your networks
• Attend quarterly board meetings and contribute actively to decision making
• Share expertise that strengthens our impact in visibility, outreach, and equity
• Support the founder in navigating nonprofit challenges and building organisational resilience

What We’re Looking For
• Previous experience in a board, director, or governance role (nonprofit or creative sector preferred)
• Knowledge of arts, culture, community development, or social impact
• Strong understanding of BIPOC representation in the arts and the systemic challenges creatives face
• Strategic thinking, leadership ability, and a collaborative approach
• Commitment to anti discrimination, fairness, and inclusive creative spaces

We Strongly Encourage Applications From
• BAME and POC artists or creative professionals
• Individuals with lived experience of underrepresentation in the arts
• People passionate about building equity centred creative ecosystems

What You Gain
• The opportunity to influence and support a growing creative nonprofit
• A meaningful leadership role that uplifts artists and communities
• Experience in CIC governance and strategic development
• A platform to contribute your voice, knowledge, and lived experience

If you want to help shape a more inclusive future for the arts and ensure that diverse creative talent is recognised, supported, and celebrated, we would love to hear from you.

Uncurbed Collective is recruiting a new Co-Chair of Trustees to lead alongside existing Co-Chair and founder trustee Janet Charlesworth.

This is a moment of evolution for the organisation. As we continue to grow our disability-led work and strengthen our governance, we are seeking a Co-Chair who believes in shared leadership, collective responsibility, and values-driven decision-making.

This role is not about individual authority. It is about working in partnership, listening well, and supporting the organisation to think strategically while staying grounded in its values.

Alongside your fellow Co-Chair, you will:

• Guide and support an engaged, values-led Board of Trustees
• Help shape Uncurbed’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability
• Champion disability-led governance and shared power in practice
• Work closely with the CEO to ensure strong, transparent leadership and accountability

We are open to a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You might bring:

• Experience of board leadership, chairing, or senior strategic roles
• Lived experience of disability and/or a strong commitment to equity, access, and inclusion
• Confidence working collaboratively, rather than hierarchically
• Curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to learn alongside others

You do not need to have held a Co-Chair role before. We are particularly keen to hear from people who may not see themselves reflected in traditional governance pathways.

Support and culture

Uncurbed operates a shared leadership model. You will not be expected to do this alone, nor to arrive with all the answers. Trustees work relationally, with care, challenge, and mutual support.

We actively encourage informal conversations before applying.

To apply or ask questions, contact us directly. Access support is available throughout the process.

What are we looking for?

This is a non-executive leadership role. You won’t be involved in day-to-day operations — instead, your focus will be on supporting strong governance, holding space for inclusive strategy, and ensuring the board functions well.

We are looking for someone who can bring clarity, structure, and values-led leadership — and who is confident sharing power within a co-chairing model alongside a trustee with lived experience of disability.

You don’t need to be an expert in disability or the arts — but you do need to be open to learning, able to hold a strategic view, and committed to changing who gets to lead.

You should bring:

• Experience as a Chair or senior trustee in a charity, cultural, or values-led organisation
• Knowledge of good governance and the responsibilities of a non-executive board
• Skills in strategic planning, organisational development, or scaling with integrity
• Confidence in chairing meetings and supporting a group to make clear, inclusive decisions
• A belief in equity, accessibility, and co-leadership as core parts of good governance
• Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative mindset

We are particularly interested in applicants with experience of:

• The arts, access, or cultural policy
• Strategy, finance, legal structures, or fundraising
• Public health, education, or community development
• Systemic change or inclusive leadership development

You will work closely with the CEO/Artistic Director and Co-Chair to lead the board well — helping us grow sustainably, stay aligned with our mission, and centre lived experience in decision-making. You’ll also play a key role in recruiting and supporting new trustees as the board evolves.

We know leadership is a learning process. If you bring curiosity, commitment, and clarity — we’ll support you to grow with us.

What difference will you make?

You’ll co-lead a board committed to access and culture change — supporting disabled artists to lead, and ensuring the organisation continues to grow with integrity, purpose, and shared power.

Deadline: Tuesday 10 February
Interviews: Tuesday 3 March

Purpose of role

This is an exciting moment to join our organisation. Over the last three years, guided by our new Co-Directors and a collective of dedicated trustees and staff, we’ve shifted our perspective and priorities to centre our community across all the work we do. As a result, they’re our starting point for understanding culture, programming, the venue and everything else. We’re committed to working in long-term, transformative ways to ensure we’re an organisation that’s informed by the needs of now and makes space for a future for everyone. 

As Kami Lamakan steps away at the end of March, we’re looking for an experienced leader who can enthuse a team of trustees and provide clear guidance, mentoring and challenge to the Co-Directors and executive team, confidently advocating for the work we do. Well-connected, you’ll work hard to raise our profile as an international arts centre at the heart of our community, introducing Chapter to people and organisations who’ll support us to achieve our vision for a sustainable future.

You’ll be passionate about art and artists, building community cohesion, and believe that care and equity should sit at the heart of everything we do. You’ll need to balance this commitment with strong financial acumen and leadership experience within the creative, charity or public sectors.

These are challenging times for the arts and we’re looking for someone who can enable us to extend our reach, influence and impact.

We’re open to recruiting a Chair or Co-Chairs to this role. You can apply as either, but please indicate in your application which option you are interested in.

Find out more

See our recruitment pack for full information.

We’re also holding an informal, online session so you can find out more, ask questions and chat with some of our existing trustees. This will be held on Zoom on Tuesday 27 January, 5.30pm. This meeting will include BSL interpretation, live captioning and a notetaker but if you have any additional access requirements, for example you would prefer to meet in person, please let us know. If you’d like to join the online meeting, or arrange an in-person conversation, please email Rory Duckhouse.