Volunteering at The Wilson

Volunteers at The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum are central in the delivery of our collections, public events and community engagement.

Here at The Wilson, volunteers can be found inspiring children and families at our creative learning workshops, transcribing written materials from the collection for use in the research and development of new displays, supporting visitors to our exhibitions as invigilators in the galleries, and much more.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and no prior knowledge is required, just an enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

  • Welcoming visitors into our gallery spaces
  • Sharing knowledge with visitors on current displays and histories within our collection
  • Contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the exhibitions
  • Support in the delivery of events and workshops
  • Cataloguing and assisting collection curators
  • Support the smooth running and maintenance of the Museum Takeaway Loans Service

We aim to provide an enriching and rewarding experience for our volunteers and encourage them to find areas they enjoy working in. We value the time our volunteers give, and only ask that they partake in two gallery shifts per month so that we can keep our doors open and share our wonderful collections and exhibitions with the public.

To find out more information about specific volunteer role descriptions, please contact volunteer@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk

  • Learn about our collections, exhibitions and the history of Cheltenham and it’s people.
  • Support a charitable organisation that delivers free activities, events and learning opportunities in the community.
  • Gain new skills and experience for your CV
  • Be a part of a fantastic team of volunteers, as well as the wider Wilson community
  • Share your passion and enthusiasm with the public
  • One free drink every 4 hours worked (choice of soft drink, teas and coffees)
  • One free meal per full shift (sandwiches, bagels, pretzel rolls, soup, pasties, sausage rolls etc.)
  • Benefit from discounts on other trust events as defined by the trust’s ticket policy across venues
  • 20% discount at trust cafes (excluding alcohol)
  • £10 a year staff membership offer at Leisure at Cheltenham

We believe in equality and diversity at the Wilson and encourage volunteers from all sections of the community.

FAQs

Currently, we only accept volunteers over the age of 18.

No prior knowledge of art, history or our collection is required, just an enthusiasm and willingness to learn!

Shifts are normally 4 hours long, with a break to stretch your legs and get a drink. The day is split into two 4-hour shifts, and volunteers get a lunch break if working both.

We encourage volunteers to come in as much as they like. However, to ensure that we can continue to keep our doors open and share our wonderful collections and exhibitions with the public, we ask that all volunteers partake in two gallery shifts per month.

Currently, volunteers help within galleries, events, takeaway loans service and workshops. Please note from May 2024, volunteers will not be assisting in collections and cataloguing, but this will resume from September onwards. Our volunteers have a range of skillsets and experiences, and so we encourage them to find areas they enjoy working and sharing their knowledge.

We meet as a volunteer community monthly. This is a relaxed, social meeting where community is built and any updates or information can be shared.

All volunteers will be inducted into their role, and supported by duty managers and experienced volunteers, to ensure they have everything they need to feel confident in their tasks. If you have extra needs or requirements, please let us know how we can support you.

Apply to be a Volunteer

We are looking for enthusiastic and friendly volunteers to join our team.

Explore your interests, meet new people, gain experience and get involved in our vibrant community as a volunteer with The Wilson, Art Gallery and Museum.

If you have any other questions about volunteering, please do not hesitate to contact volunteer@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk

Our Volunteers

Jane

7 years

The Collections Team, working on the Roller Racking Inventory and occasional volunteer in School workshops. I started in 2016 doing Gallery Steward and helping with Takeaway Learning Resource admin.

I am chairman of Charlton Kings Community Players and Producer of numerous plays and shows.

Being useful and meeting new people. It’s great to feel what you are doing is useful and valued.

The opportunities are varied and require different skills, so there is something for everyone!

There are so many great items, but I think is the painting of Charlton Park, Charlton Kings. I taught there for 14 years and we live in what was probably the vegetable garden!

The Edward Wilson exhibition put on last year. So interesting and brought back great memories of going to Antarctica myself.

Patrick

Spencer