About the Volunteer Programme
At the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI), we are proud of our volunteers. Over the years they have contributed enormously to our growth and ongoing success. Volunteers are found in almost every area of operation and bring with them new ideas, expertise, and energy to the tasks they complete. As one of NGCI’s most vital assets, we invest in our volunteers to ensure that they are knowledgeable and feel part of something great – voluntary work to be proud of and that supports NGCI in achieving its mission.
To support this aim, NGCI provides a complete training programme and detailed induction and curators tour session to everyone who joins the Volunteer Programme (Programme). We also invite our volunteers to events and openings, both in a volunteering capacity and as our guests. Through their dedication and passion, our volunteers support NGCI operations and help us to achieve our mission. We are grateful to everyone, past and present, who helps to make this Programme so successful.
As a vibrant cultural destination with a mix of innovative and culturally diverse exhibitions, NGCI strives to promote and encourage the appreciation and practice of the visual arts in the Cayman Islands. We are always keen to hear from interested people who are dedicated to the arts and what we do here, and who can contribute whatever time they have available to help support our mission.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers bring skills and knowledge that complement and supplement those of NGCI. Volunteers bring enthusiasm and fresh points of view, enhancing the creativity and quality of service provided by NGCI.
The areas volunteers can get involved include:
- acting as exhibition hall receptionist and providing information to visitors;
- assisting with installing and demounting exhibitions;
- acting as the weekly membership administrator;
- social media support volunteer;
- volunteer coordination;
- school tour volunteer;
- exhibition hall docent;
- studio/classroom assistant;
- exhibition/collection research volunteer;
- assisting with NGCI functions, events and special lectures;
- prop design for NGCI events;
- fundraising activities; and
- lots more.
The roles that are available depend on the availability of each volunteer and the schedule of NGCI programmes and events.
Exhibition Hall Reception
Our exhibition hall is where many volunteers help and start their journey with us, it offers regular shifts almost every day of the week, Monday to Saturday, at fixed times.
We operate a self-service schedule for the exhibition hall. Once volunteers have undertaken training, they can schedule themselves in as they are able to support and can select a regular shift, weekly or monthly as available.
Exhibition hall shifts are either 10am to 1.30pm or 1.30pm to 5pm. Volunteers are required to arrive on time and stay for the duration of the shift (unless otherwise agreed on an ad-hoc basis).
Volunteer Induction
At NGCI we recognise the need for adequate ongoing training because we want our volunteers to feel comfortable and capable and we know our volunteers like it that way too!
All volunteers prior to joining the Programme must attend our Induction and Orientation session where attendees will learn about NGCI, the Programme, the collection, and the current temporary exhibition.
The Volunteer Induction and Orientation session is divided into three parts:
- NGCI overview, staff and attendee introductions, team roles, expectations, on the job training and tour of the Education Centre and back office space;
- Curators tour of the National Collection; and
- Curators tour of the current temporary exhibition.
Volunteer Training Series
A series of training sessions is also offered to volunteers on a rolling monthly basis (where once the five sessions have been completed, they will start over). Please note that there will be some stoppages over busy periods. The topics covered are:
- NGCI 101 –will discuss the history of NGCI, the team and programmes currently running and how we work every day to further our mission of promoting the appreciation and practice of the visual arts of and in the Cayman Islands;
This session is available online and open to all. Click here to attend this training online. - Cayman Art History – will explore Cayman’s Art History, using the artwork contained within National Collection to guide attendees through a historical and stylistic journey of Cayman’s artwork and artists starting in the 1970’s and leading up to the present day;
This session is available online and open to all. Click here to attend this training online. - NGCI in the Cultural Context – this session will delve into the changing cultural landscape of the Cayman Islands and explore how NGCI fits into this landscape and uses art to tell its story;
This session is available online and open to all. Click here to attend this training online. - Museum Education – with education underpinning many of the weekly programmes on offer, this session will talk about the importance of education in a museum setting. The session will also explore the relationship between education and exhibitions and how programmes are developed for a variety of ages and abilities to ensure that NGCI is open and accessible to the community; and
Online training session coming soon. - Curating and Exhibition Development – this session will examine exhibition curatorship within a Caribbean and Cayman context. This session will cover key issues and best practices in museum and exhibition curatorship and detail the process by which exhibitions are selected and developed at NGCI.
The volunteer training series is currently being delivered online only. To complete this training, please use the links above or direct questions to info@nationalgallery.org.ky.
Joining Requirements
Before being able to start volunteering, all prospective volunteers are required to attend an Induction and Orientation session and one of our five training sessions. Volunteers are also required to complete a Volunteer Participation Form, sign a confidentiality declaration and a signed confirmation that they have read the Volunteer Handbook.
Due to the value of NGCI property and the ages of visitors coming to the site, all volunteers must also submit a Police Clearance dated within the last 6 months.
Benefits of Becoming a National Gallery Volunteer
Many of our volunteers measure their ‘benefits’ in intangible terms such as creative satisfaction, increased knowledge, rewarding experiences, increased social interactions, etc. As one of our volunteers, you will also enjoy:
- meeting other community-minded individuals who share similar interests;
- free admission to educational events, such as special lectures and seminars;
- a 10% discount on NGCI Store merchandise (subject to restrictions);
- getting to know the people who work around here;
- library privileges;
- sneak previews to upcoming exhibitions;
- a complimentary one-year individual membership for volunteers who have contributed in excess of 45 hours, or 6 evening or weekend events, in the preceding 12 months (inclusive of training hours); and
- references will also be made available to volunteers who meet the minimum requirements*.
*Volunteers working 35+ hours per annum will be provided with a reference detailing the years they have volunteered with NGCI, the number of hours they have completed and how they have contributed to NGCI and to the community.
Thank You!
Thank you for your interest in joining our Programme and for taking the first steps to find out more about how you get involved in the work of NGCI. Volunteering your time, whatever you can spare, makes a difference and we a grateful to everyone, past and present, for their contribution.
If you would like to know more about our Volunteer Programme, please contact us by email at info@nationalgallery.org.ky or call (345) 945 8111.
Alternatively, please register for the next induction and training session (see What’s On for details) by RSVP’ing to info@nationalgallery.org.ky and complete and return the Volunteer Participation Form if you would like to join our Programme.