Volunteer with us
Immerse yourself in our exhibitions and programme, share your knowledge and passion with our visitors, and help us inspire current and future generations.
Volunteering is an enjoyable, meaningful and rewarding experience. Get involved and give back to the local community. Develop your skills and experience contemporary art in a gallery environment at the same time.
Our varied volunteer roles offer an enriching experience. They’re an opportunity to develop your skills for a career in the creative sector. You can also meet new people and enjoy your time in a friendly environment. We have opportunities at the heart of the action for art enthusiasts, budding storytellers, and green fingered gardeners.
Our fantastic volunteers are valued members of our team. They support the gallery and programme in a wide range of roles across every aspect of the service. Your individuality and uniqueness help us engage visitors and participants with our work.
With your support, we can continue to tell the story of our history and the importance of the Richmond Borough Art Collection, as well as provide a high quality visitor experience.
Apply to volunteer
To apply to be a volunteer at Orleans House Gallery, please complete the online application form below.
We are currently looking for volunteers to support us on weekends. However, all applications are welcome.
Individuality and authenticity are key values in our volunteer programme. We would encourage you to use your own voice where possible, rather than use AI to complete your application.
Apply to volunteer on the Richmond website. You’ll be asked for your details, a personal statement and two referees.
About volunteering
Anyone over 18 can volunteer. You don’t need previous experience of volunteering. We just ask for an enthusiasm for contemporary art and history, talking about art and a willingness to learn new skills and information. We welcome volunteers from anywhere, although most of our volunteers live, work or study in London and the South East.
We will provide relevant training, supervision and support for you to be successful in your role.
At present, we are only able to accept volunteers aged 18 or older. We are currently redeveloping our career development programme to support those looking to start a career in the cultural sector, including work experience and voluntary placements.
We’re unable to offer work experience for schools. Please look at Landmark Arts Centre or Museum of Richmond for opportunities.
For most of our roles, we recommend at least one shift a fortnight, so you stay up to date with the gallery and our programme.
Gallery shifts are 9.45am–1pm and 12.45–5pm, and you can volunteer for a full day if you wish.
There is no fixed time frame for volunteering. You can volunteer for as long or short a period as you like.
We want to make volunteering as flexible as possible for you, so please raise any concerns when applying.
We cover travel expenses up to £17 per day.
Food expenses aren’t included as part of our offer, however we have a discount available at The Stables Café onsite.
We have a comprehensive onboarding process. All volunteers complete Level 1 safeguarding training before an in-person induction. We offer informal training and shadowing for our roles, both with staff and existing volunteers.
We also offer a range of training opportunities in line with our programme and development objectives. We are working to make career development opportunities available soon.
There are multiple benefits to volunteering. They include improved physical and mental wellbeing, gaining valuable experience for a career in the sector, meeting new and friendly people, supporting local arts and culture, and having a fun time in a unique space. We could list many more!
We also have a range of exclusive benefits for our volunteers:
- 20% discount in the gallery shop
- 15% discount at The Stables Cafe
- Travel expenses covered up to £17 per day
- Free role-related training workshops
- Two major socials per year
- Trips to other galleries, museums and other cultural institutions
- Talks and tours
- Free or discounted entry to Arts Service events, programmes and festivals
To find out more about volunteering at the gallery, please email artsvolunteering@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk.
Our Roles
We are currently recruiting for the following roles. Some roles are very popular, and we may ask you to start in an alternative role to your first choice.