AGWA’s dedicated Voluntary Gallery Guides bring the Gallery’s extensive Collection to life through free guided tours. As a Voluntary Gallery Guide you will inspire creativity and stimulate conversations with education audiences and our daily visitors.
As an AGWA Guide you will receive:
- Invaluable experience working within one of Western Australia’s most significant cultural institutions in a collegial and welcoming group.
- Opportunities to develop new skills related to the arts industry.
- Free entry into all paid exhibitions at the Art Gallery of WA.
- Occasional discounted or complimentary invitations to arts activities and events in Perth.
- 15% discount at the Gallery Shop (excluding catalogues).
- A great feeling that you are contributing to the cultural health and wellbeing of our community.
The ideal Guide will have:
Exceptional communication skills
- A good grasp of spoken and written English is essential, however we welcome applicants whose second language is English.
- Proficiency in a second language, including AUSLAN, is valuable but not required. We provide scheduled tours in languages other than English when possible.
- The ability to communicate effectively with others, from school-aged children to adults of all ages, in a friendly and engaging manner.
Enthusiasm for arts and culture with a willingness to learn.
- A keen interest in visual arts and a willingness to expand knowledge and to stay up to date with current art, movements and genres.
- Basic computer skills are a requirement, as well as the ability to research, interpret and absorb new information and to order material logically.
A reliable and positive attitude towards volunteering.
- The ability to commit to the time required for initial training and, once qualified, to carry out the duties required of a Guide
As a Voluntary Gallery Guide, you will:
Be an ambassador for the Gallery
- Maintain our exceptional standard of customer service to visitors, ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable experience at the Gallery.
- Embody AGWA’s values inside and outside the Gallery by upholding the Code of Conduct.
- Show your support through advocacy of the Exhibition and Guiding programs.
Be an active member of the Guides
- After completing the training program for Gallery Guides at AGWA. Training runs fortnightly during the four school terms, Friday mornings, from February to November, 2024. Attendance of these sessions is compulsory.
- Research and share information with your fellow Guides about artworks in the State Art Collection and temporary exhibitions.
- Grow your knowledge and understanding of visual arts by attending compulsory fortnightly professional development meetings.
- Collaborate with your peers to research, prepare for exhibitions and conduct public, school and specialty tours.
- The time commitment does not only include actively guiding tours at AGWA; 28 tours a year per guide is the minimum expected. Time commitment also includes research, collaboration with peers and attending compulsory fortnightly guides' meetings on Friday mornings during the school term.
Voluntary Gallery Guides Gallery Guide requirements:
- Complete the Training Program for Voluntary Gallery Guides.
- Attend regular fortnightly Professional Development meetings.
- Engage in extra training provided by the Gallery for special exhibitions.
- Upon graduating from the Training Program, research, plan and conduct a minimum of 28 tours per year.
- Comply with AGWA’s Code of Conduct and other policies.
- Be able to hold a Working with Children Card and if requested, pass a National Police Clearance. (AGWA will assist with submitting these clearances for any volunteer who does not have one.)
Applications for 2024
The next training program will be in 2024. Applications close 30 October 2023. Please send a CV, together with a covering letter outlining why you believe you should be considered for the AGWA Guide traineeship to agwavgg@gmail.com
