Volunteer

Exciting events are coming up and we would love to get you involved at the Richmond Art Gallery as a volunteer. Volunteering is a fun way to learn about art and the Gallery, meet new people and contribute to your community. Without volunteers like you, the Richmond Art Gallery would not be able to do what it does — you help make it all work! If you are interested in volunteering, fill out a copy of our volunteer application form and return to the gallery.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering has much to offer:

• Make a difference in the lives of others
• Apply your skills and talents
• Come to know your community better, while contributing to its future
• Engage with others, while sharing your love for art and culture

For all of the following positions a time commitment once a week or monthly is required depending on the position. The benefits include applying your skills and talents to gain knowledge within the non-profit sector. You will receive training and support to enhance your experience in a supportive environment. Build your confidence, art-knowledge and social consciousness.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Public Programs & Events Assistant

Commitment:  6-month commitment as an on-call volunteer.
Schedule:  generally 1 – 2 events per month for a minimum of 3 hours at each event. Most events occur on weekend afternoons or weekday evenings.

Tasks:

• Work with the general public of all ages as a host, greeter, and assistant at Art Gallery Openings, Artist Talks, Film Screenings, Performances, Art Workshops and other events.
• Assist staff with set-up and take-down of the art classroom or gallery with art materials, equipment, and furniture.
• Assist with various tasks such as taking photos for social media, protecting the gallery artworks, event registration, directing gallery visitors, tending the bar, food prep, and art material organization.

Qualifications:  Must be aged 18+, have an interest in the visual arts and working with the public.
Excellent communication and customer service skills preferred. Serving It Right is a bonus, but not mandatory.

To apply, please fill out a Public Programs Assistant form and email to ktycholis@richmond.ca 

Classroom Assistant for School Programs

Commitment:  minimum 3 hour shift weekly, between 9am-3pm on weekdays from Oct-June
6-month commitment

Tasks:

• Work with students from ages 3-13 as part of the School Art Program.
• Assist the School Art Program Coordinator or Instructor with setting up the art classroom with art materials, leading tours, and helping students with their art projects.

Qualifications: Applicants must submit a Criminal Records Check for working with children as part of the application process. Must be aged 18+, have an interest in the visual arts and working with children.  Shifts occur only during school hours, 9am-3pm on weekdays from September – June.

To apply, please fill out a Classroom Assistant Application form and email to mdevoy@richmond.ca

Volunteer Board Member – Richmond Art Gallery Association (RAGA)

The Richmond Art Gallery Association (RAGA for short) is a non-profit, registered charitable society dedicated to supporting the Richmond Art Gallery.

Board members provide support to RAGA and the gallery in its mission to promote dialogue among diverse communities and challenging ideas and issues of today as expressed through local, national and international contemporary art.

As a vital part of the contemporary art network in British Columbia and Canada, RAGA plays a dynamic role in fostering the growth of visual art in Richmond. We provide the Richmond community and others in the Lower Mainland with opportunities to learn about contemporary art, as well as engage in art-making activities through various programs for adults, families, and children.

The Richmond Art Gallery is fortunate to have a talented Curatorial team and a skilled Director on staff who spearhead the artistic and curatorial vision for the gallery. The Richmond Art Gallery Association does not act as the governing Board of the Richmond Art Gallery, nor does it have a curatorial role in the gallery’s exhibition program.

Functionally speaking, RAGA works closely with the Richmond Art Gallery, which is owned and operated by the City of Richmond. The RAGA Board supports the Gallery by being ambassadors for arts and culture in the Richmond Community and imagining, implementing and delivering sensational fundraising programs.

We are currently seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Directors as volunteer members. By becoming a Board member, you will actively contribute to the advancement of the arts in our community and help shape the future of the Richmond Art Gallery.

Onboarding:
Each new Board member can expect to:

• Be provided with a board manual clearly outlining the description and expectations of their role
• Participate in an on-boarding meeting with the President and/or Vice President either in-person or online to confirm the details of the manual as well as discuss the scope of the role moving forward and the association’s priorities for the year ahead
• (where possible), receive training from the departing Board person about duties

Responsibilities:
Board members are expected to:

• Attend monthly board meetings, held the third Tuesday of each month 7-9pm at the Richmond Cultural Centre/ or online.
• Be punctual and reliably participate in these meetings that are run efficiently within a maximum duration of two hours.
• Read and respond to communication in a timely manner, typically within 48 hours.
• Attend as many of the gallery’s openings and events as possible, as ambassadors of RAGA
• Assist in organizing, planning and delivery of fundraising initiatives
• Engage in committee work and individual tasks as needed in a work-share environment
• Attend the annual general meeting.

Requisite Skills:
We’re looking for you, if you:

• Bring honed skills from a specialized industry like law, finance, medicine or social services – to name a few!
• Have fundraising and friend-raising skills
• Maintain a strong connection to the community at large
• Are motivated to advocate for the work of the Association and the Gallery.
• Are knowledgeable about Board governance
• Possess fantastic organizational skills
• Are passionate to effectively contribute to Board activities and initiatives.
• Can demonstrate the ability to work in a collegial and cooperative manner
• Want to foster a positive and inclusive environment

Having prior Board and/or non-profit experience is considered an asset.

Benefits:
Board members enjoy:

• Being part of a group of intelligent and engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for contemporary art and art education.
• Belonging to the RAGA/RAG family, fostering meaningful connections within the local arts community.
• Using their skills and expertise to further the success of the gallery and association
• Witnessing the measurable success of your efforts in the annual association report
• Meetings conducted with professionalism and respect with consideration of your time

To Apply:

Please submit your letter of interest and resume to gallery@richmond.ca with the subject heading of “Board Position”.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Richmond Art Gallery Association. We look forward to reviewing your application and welcoming new members to our board!