Volunteer roles for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

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! 

Join Watts Gallery Trust’s Board of Trustees and help to shape the future of art, heritage and community across our region, furthering the legacy of George Frederic Watts and Mary Seton Watts.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.

Nestled in the Surrey Hills, Watts Gallery is dedicated to the life and work of Victorian artists and social activists, George Frederic Watts and Mary Seton Watts. Set within an 18-acre estate, the Gallery showcases an exceptional collection of paintings, sculpture, and works on paper, alongside a dynamic program of exhibitions, events, and learning activities. At the heart of the site is the historic gallery building, opened in 1904 to make art accessible to all—a vision that continues today through our inclusive, community-focused mission. Visitors can also explore the nearby home and studios of George and Mary Watts at Limnerslease, as well as the extraordinary Watts Chapel, designed by Mary Watts and built with local villagers, embodying the founders’ belief in the power of art to inspire, uplift and drive social change.

Watts Gallery Trust is seeking four new Trustees to contribute constructively to Board discussions at a pivotal time of regeneration for the Trust.

The Trust is particularly interested in hearing from individuals with a demonstrable record in leadership in the following areas:

• Communications and digital marketing (especially in arts/events)
• Commercial experience, e.g. CRM, data and insights
• Arts/heritage venue management
• Art curation and conservation
• Community engagement (Surrey/Hampshire focus)
• Charity management

This is an opportunity to join a committed team responsible for advancing the vision and legacy of artists and social activists, George Frederic Watts and Mary Seton Watts, while developing Watts Gallery, Limnerslease, the Cemetery Chapel and the grounds as a unique cultural destination dedicated to the exploration of art and creativity.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.

The Jawbone Collective seeks a Volunteer Bookkeeping / Financial Recordkeeping support person to join our thriving arts organisation. As we continue to expand activities and our reach across the Southwest of England, we need someone with financial expertise to help strengthen our operational foundation.

You will work remotely alongside our dedicated management team to develop robust financial processes that will support our journey toward becoming a self-sustaining arts organisation. Your expertise will be instrumental in supporting us in managing our diverse revenue streams, including workshop fees, journal and poetry publications, grants (hopefully we get some soon) and event income.

As part of our inclusive creative community, you'll contribute to an organisation that champions diverse voices, including neurodivergent, disabled, LGBTQIA+ and working-class writers. While a love for literature isn't required, you'll be supporting a mission that makes literary opportunities accessible to all through affordable programs and free submission opportunities.

Role Description

• Initially organising a transition to accounting software
• Train team members in maintain financial records and bookkeeping
• Assist with financial reporting and planning
• Support budget management for our various programmes and publications
• Help track expenses related to workshops, events, and publishing activities
• Contribute to funding applications and financial governance

What We're Looking For

• Experience in financial management and
• Governance required for a CIC (desirable, or be willing to learn) 
• An ability to train team members in necessary software for bookkeeping
• Strong organisational skills
• Ability to work with our creative community-focused team
• Understanding of arts organisation operations (desirable)

About Us

The Jawbone Collective is a dynamic arts organisation dedicated to nurturing creative voices across the Wessex Region. Founded in 2022, we've evolved from our initial mission of publishing the poetry collections of under represented groups to becoming a comprehensive creative hub offering multiple platforms for artistic expression. Our initiatives include the upcoming Jawbone Journal - May 2025; developing a Substack community, Jawbone Radio for spoken word performances; plus workshops - in person and online; and mentoring programs. Based in Dorset, we've established strong creative communities in Dorchester and Bridport as well as attracting attendees to real world activities coming from Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire and Somerset, whilst also maintaining an active online presence attracting people from the UK and across the world.

At our core, we're driven by a commitment to diversity and accessibility in the arts. Our community of 15 core creative members represents a rich tapestry of voices, including creatives from neurodivergent, disabled, LGBTQIA+, female and  working class creators from various age groups and backgrounds. We are actively challenging publishing industry 'norms' by offering affordable and free submission opportunities. We are bridging the gap between performance and page poetry, and creating inclusive spaces where every creative voice can flourish. Through our various platforms and initiatives, we're building a supportive environment where artists can develop their craft, share their work, and connect with a broader creative community.

Working remotely however we would love to meet up with you from time to time.

You are most welcome to attend any of our events and workshops at no cost to yourself.

Amount of hours approx 8 - 16 hours a month depending on projects.

Volunteer: Data & Analytics / Funding Research Assistant
Jawbone Collective CIC

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical volunteer to support our data-driven decision-making and fundraising efforts. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys researching, organising information, and using data to tell a meaningful story — especially within a creative, community-focused arts environment.

You will help us collect, interpret, and present data that demonstrates our impact to funders, partners, and stakeholders. You’ll also contribute to researching grant opportunities, supporting funding bids, and strengthening our ability to secure financial resources for future programmes and accessible literary initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in gathering data related to audience engagement, workshop participation, reach, and impact

• Organise and present data clearly (charts, reports, summaries, insights)

• Contribute to the development of evidence-based funding bids and grant applications

• Research new funding sources including grants, trusts, donors, and corporate partners

• Help maintain accurate records and metrics related to growth, performance, and community reach

• Work collaboratively with our leadership team and provide data insights that support strategic planning

Ideal Candidate:

• Strong analytical and organisational skills

• Experience with spreadsheets, CRM tools, or analytical software is beneficial (but not required)

• Some familiarity or interest in funding applications, research, or bid writing

• Able to translate raw data into meaningful insight

• An interest in arts, culture, and the social importance of accessible literature

What You’ll Gain by Joining Us:
You’ll become part of a collaborative and vibrant creative community where your ability to work with data has tangible cultural impact. Working within a poetic and literary organisation, you’ll see firsthand how numbers can reveal stories of growth, inclusion, and transformation. Your contributions will help secure real opportunities for emerging and underrepresented writers, and you’ll gain experience that strengthens your skills in fundraising, analytics, and nonprofit decision-making — all while supporting a mission rooted in creativity, equity, and community connection.

Time Commitment:

• Flexible based on your availability — approximately 4–8 hours per week

• Remote working — with optional involvement in in-person activities in the Southwest if you wish

Benefits:

• Build portfolio-ready experience in analytics and nonprofit funding

• Develop skills in bid writing and grant research

• Gain insight into arts-based community development

• Be part of a welcoming, inclusive organisation where every contribution matters

To Apply:
Please send a brief CV and a short expression of interest — we welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.

Website Designer 
Jawbone Collective CIC

About the Role
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Website Designer to help us transition our current website onto the Hostinger website builder platform and significantly enhance its visibility through effective SEO strategies. This role is ideal for someone with experience in web design who would like to support a thriving community arts organisation and contribute to increasing our reach and impact.

You’ll work both independently and collaboratively with our team, ensuring the website aligns visually and strategically with our brand, communications, and accessibility goals.

We will consider applicants who wish to hold a temporary position (12 weeks minimum).

Key Responsibilities:

• Rebuild and restructure our existing website using the Hostinger website builder

• Improve site navigation, layout, page structure, and user experience

• Optimise all pages for SEO performance, including keywords, metadata, and search visibility

• Ensure mobile optimisation and fast loading performance

• Integrate analytics tools to monitor site traffic and user engagement

• Coordinate with our PR and social media teams so the site aligns with ongoing campaigns and messaging

• Provide basic training or guidance to team members on how to edit/update the site post-build

Ideal Candidate:

• Experience with IONOS website building tools (or similar drag-and-drop platforms)

• Strong understanding of SEO principles and best practices

• Good eye for layout, typography, and visual consistency

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively

• Interest in arts, culture, inclusivity, or community-driven organisations is a plus

Time Commitment:

• During the initial build/transition period: approx. 10–15 hours per week (negotiable)

• Once the site is established: potentially 2–4 hours a week for maintenance / updates

• Remote role — however applicants in the Southwest of England are welcome to be more involved in our activities if desired

Benefits:

• Build a strong case study for your portfolio

• Gain valuable experience working with a creative community organisation

• Contribute to making literature and community arts more accessible

• Connect and collaborate with creatives, writers, and arts professionals

To Apply:
Please send your CV and a short cover letter outlining relevant experience and any examples of previous website work or digital projects.

About Jawbone Collective CIC

Joining Jawbone Collective means becoming part of a warm, collaborative, and deeply creative environment where artistic expression and community storytelling thrive. You’ll be working alongside poets, writers, and creative thinkers whose perspectives are rich, diverse, and often underrepresented in mainstream spaces. This is a chance to immerse yourself in a poetic and literary culture — one that values imagination, empathy, experimentation, and shared growth. Your contributions will directly support a movement for creative accessibility, helping to build platforms where emerging voices can be heard and celebrated. Being part of Jawbone Collective isn’t just work — it’s meaningful participation in a living, evolving cultural ecosystem.
The Jawbone Collective CIC is a non-profit creative organisation based in the Southwest of England, dedicated to nurturing poets and writers across the Wessex region. Since 2019, we’ve evolved from a publishing-focused group into a wider creative hub offering workshops, events, publications, and artistic opportunities.

We champion underrepresented voices — including neurodivergent, disabled, LGBTQIA+, and working-class creatives — and actively challenge industry barriers to make literary and creative spaces more accessible and equitable.

Our partner supports the creative regeneration of historic buildings and community assets, transforming underused heritage spaces into sustainable hubs for work, culture and community activity.

They are seeking a Treasurer to join the Board and play a key role in ensuring sound financial governance and supporting the organisation’s continued growth. Working closely with the senior team, the Treasurer will oversee financial management, strengthen internal controls and reporting, and advise the Board on strategy, budgeting, and compliance.

The ideal candidate will bring accounting or treasury experience, strong analytical and organisational skills, and an interest in regeneration, community enterprise, or heritage-led development. Experience of Xero or financial oversight within a Community Interest Company would be an advantage.

The Board meets remotely, with occasional in-person meetings in Ramsgate. The expected time commitment is around one to two days per month, including meeting preparation and liaison with the executive team.

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

Graphic Designer & Marketing Volunteer

About us

The Museum of Brands, nestled in the vibrant Notting Hill area of West London, is a one-of-a-kind institution that brings to life the fascinating history of consumer culture through branding, packaging, and advertisements. Our collection showcases over 200 years of social and technological change, offering visitors a nostalgic and insightful journey through history. Established by Robert Opie, the museum is a treasure trove of everyday items that might have been thrown away by past generations, but now tell the story of how consumer trends shaped society.

The Role 

We’re looking for talented Graphic Design & Marketing Volunteers to help create vibrant, on-brand visual content for both our social media and in-house marketing materials. You'll be working with Canva and Adobe tools to bring campaigns to life, from digital posters and Instagram carousels to screen graphics and printed flyers.

This offers an opportunity for hands-on experience in the GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, and Museums) Cultural Sector, ideal for students or individuals with a strong interest in marketing, graphic design and content creation.

What you’ll do:

· Design digital and print marketing assets using Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign including:

o Social media graphics (posts, stories, highlight covers)

o Posters, flyers, leaflets

o Screens and TV slides for internal displays

· Follow and apply our brand identity guidelines to all content

· Translate event listings, updates, and key messages into engaging visual content

· Support and expand ongoing campaign visuals - while also contributing your own creative ideas

· Help plan and schedule social media content using tools such as Meta Business Suite or Hootsuite

· Collaborate with the wider team on seasonal campaigns, exhibitions, and public programmes

· Stay aware of current design trends and help ensure our visual identity remains fresh and dynamic

· Analyse the performance of social media posts, using data insights to adjust and improve future content strategies.

Additional Duties

•  Front of House Support: Train as a Museum Front of House assistant, covering Reception duties, welcoming visitors, handling calls, and assisting with other interdepartmental tasks as needed.

Who we’re looking for:

• Has experience using Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign)
• Has a strong eye for layout, typography, and colour, with a good understanding of visual branding
• Can confidently follow a style guide but also bring your own creative flair
• Has good written communication skills and can transform information into clear, engaging design
• Is well-organised, proactive, and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Bonus: an interest in museums, heritage, arts or cultural marketing

Availability

We're excited to offer this opportunity as either a volunteer role or a student placement, ideal for anyone looking to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and creative environment.

Student Placement: This placement is perfect for someone who can contribute 2–3 days per week, with flexible options for full days (8 hours) or half days (4 hours) based on your schedule.

Volunteering: We are looking for individuals who can offer at least one half day per week for a minimum of three months. This helps create a consistent and valuable experience for both you and our marketing team.

Whether you're hoping to enhance your CV, gain industry insight, or support a cause you care about, we’d be delighted to welcome you aboard.

This placement requires in-person work at The Museum of Brands, London, W11 1QT during the week.

Expenses

Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are here for over 6 hours.

Training and support

We have an induction process that ensures you have the information needed to thrive during your time with us. Training is primarily ‘on-the-job’, guided by our Marketing Officer. You'll receive ongoing support, regular feedback, and opportunities for 1-to-1 discussions to enhance your skills and experience. We’re also happy to provide references and CV support to aid in your future employment opportunities.

Our Commitment

The Museum of Brands is committed to:

• Equality and fairness: We believe in providing equal opportunities for all volunteers, ensuring fairness in all aspects of the role.
• Safe working environment: Your safety is paramount, and we comply with all health and safety regulations.
• Confidentiality: We adhere to the principles of the Data Protection Act to ensure your privacy and data security.

Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa in order to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.

• A great opportunity to volunteer as Cafe Assistant at a unique heritage site, London Museum of Water and Steam
• Based at the historic Kew Bridge Waterworks the museum tells the story of London's water supply, the site, its people and the amazing pumping engines that helped to make London the city it is today
• Cafe Assistants provide a warm and friendly greeting for all our visitors                                              
•  They should work collaboratively with Visitor Welcome volunteers and Duty Managers
•  Help to prepare hot drinks and snacks and to take responsibility for money handling
• There is an opportunity to gain a Level 1 Certificate in Food Hygiene  

Experienced Garden Volunteer

The beautiful, award-winning Memorial Garden behind the Museum of Brands was established in 1990 as a peaceful oasis for those living with HIV/AIDS and using the hospice and other services provided in this building when it was the London Lighthouse. The sheltered garden is described by visitors as ‘a haven’,

‘an oasis’, and ‘a hidden gem’. The garden is looked after by a small group of volunteers and the Gardener who originally developed it, working within a very small budget.

This is a small but complex garden, thoughtfully designed and rich in variety. You’ll find opportunities to work on a wide range of tasks — from detailed pruning and planting to structural maintenance and seasonal care. It’s an excellent setting for anyone looking to gain broad hands-on experience, whether you're training in horticulture or simply want to deepen your skills in a purposeful environment.

We are looking for experienced garden volunteers to support the Gardener with the following:

· General garden maintenance including weeding, pruning, deadheading, and mulching

· Planting and replanting seasonal flowers, shrubs, and small trees

· Watering plants and maintaining irrigation as needed

· Lifting and moving heavy pots, tools, compost bags, and garden waste

· Ladder work for tasks such as trimming hedges, cleaning gutters, or maintaining climbing plants

· Sawing and light carpentry, including pruning larger branches and assisting with minor repairs

· Clearing leaves and debris to keep paths and seating areas safe and accessible

· Maintaining and cleaning garden tools and equipment

What we’re looking for:

· A passion for gardening and some hands-on experience (professional or personal)

· Either a trainee gardener, horticulture student, or someone already working in gardening or landscaping or an experienced gardener wanting to give back through volunteer work

· Willingness to carry out practical tasks, including some lifting and ladder work

· Comfortable working outdoors in different weather conditions

· A positive, team-focused attitude with good attention to safety

What you’ll gain:

· Valuable hands-on gardening experience in a unique, award-winning setting

· The chance to be part of a friendly, purpose-driven team

· The satisfaction of helping maintain a space that’s deeply meaningful to others

Training and support:

You will first be invited for a meeting with our gardener, Gary. Volunteers are given relevant training for any tasks carried out, opportunities for regular feedback and we remain open to suggestions on how we can improve the volunteer experience.

Availability:

Our garden volunteers currently come in together on a Thursday.  However volunteering in the garden can occur on any day while the Museum is open (Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 11-5).  We are looking volunteers who can volunteer over a period of at least 3 months.  Ideally you will be able to start immediately, although this is not essential.

Expenses:

Travel expenses up to £5 will be paid, with up to an additional £5 for lunch expenses if you are here for over 6 hours.

Please note: Applicants from some overseas countries are required to have a relevant work permit or student visa to volunteer in the U.K. We’ll need to see this for our records before volunteering can commence.

Join DOCA as a Trustee (Secretary role) 
We're looking for a passionate, organised individual to join our board as a voluntary trustee – someone who can help keep us on track and bring some HR knowledge too.

You'll take minutes, help with key documents, and guide fair practice across our small but mighty arts organisation.

At DOCA, we bring people together through magical, shared experiences that transform places, hearts and minds.

We especially welcome applicants from global majority groups and those under-represented in the arts.
Based in Devizes, Wiltshire (hybrid considered).

Interested? Let’s chat!

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.

This is an opportunity to use your love of art, creativity and communications skills to make a difference to the future of dance in Ukraine. This volunteer role will help raise funds for our projects, manage communications, promote our events and showcase the impact of our work. We have produced two major gala fundraisers in London over the last three years and are planning a further fundraiser in Spring 2026.

Responsibilities:

Website, social media and materials:

• Developing communications materials
• Maintaining website content and developing design with website development coordinator
• Event promotion
• Management of social media content

 Fundraising:

• Researching and preparing funding proposals to institutional donors including corporates and  trusts
• Researching high net worth donors
• Maintaining  and building donor relations

Key Skills / Attributes:

Well established professional experience in corporate communications or  marketing or similar disciplines.

• Strong interest in volunteering within the arts in the third sector
• Excellent communications skills (written and verbal)
• Organised and creative.
• Familiar with use of social media for corporate communications
• Management experience

Interest in / knowledge of ballet useful.

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!

We are looking for Welcome volunteers to staff the welcome desk and be first point of contact for our visitors. Our volunteers play an important and valuable role in our cathedral community. Volunteering  can be a wonderful way to find a sense of purpose and belonging. You can use your skills, build your confidence and develop as part of a supportive and caring team. You’ll have the opportunity to work in an exciting and vibrant place of Christian worship, surrounded by beautiful architecture and our world-famous stained-glass windows.

Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and each person has their own reasons for wanting to volunteer. We welcome applications from anyone interested in being a part of what we do, and will work with you to ensure that your volunteering experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Our volunteers need to be sympathetic to our vision, mission and values, but you do not need to be a Christian to join our team.

Tasks include: 

· To greet visitors entering the cathedral and offer a first-class welcome

· To open positive conversations and demonstrate the welcoming nature of the cathedral

· To provide information and signpost as requested by the visitor, details and basic history of the cathedral, location of toilets etc.

DBS Check and Training to be completed / provided:

• Basic DBS check
• Basic Awareness and Foundation level safeguarding training.
• ACT Counter Terrorism training.
• In-house additional training as required.

Ensuring the safety of everyone who comes into the cathedral is Birmingham Cathedral Chapter’s highest priority. All volunteers must also complete our Safeguarding training before they can start working with us.

What this volunteering opportunity will provide you with:

• Knowledge of the international significance of the windows, the artists Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris and their links to Birmingham.
• Experience working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Insight into the workings of the cathedral, and experience working in a sacred building and place of faith.
• The opportunity to practice speaking in various foreign languages dependent on the nationality of visitors you encounter.
• Opportunities to volunteer in further roles in the cathedral team.
• Experience working alongside a team of skilled and knowledgeable individuals both clergy and non-clergy
• Safeguarding and ACT training (this is a requirement)

Depending on the nature of the volunteering role you undertake with us, we may need to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure in accordance with the Disclosure and Barring Service Rules.

All information provided by volunteers with be held in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation within the Data Protection Act 2018.