Volunteer

A photo of three women with volunteer nametags standing together and smiling next to a table prepared with art supplies in a theatre lobby with balloons in the backgroundVolunteering at KWAG is a great way to gain valuable experience in the arts and culture sector. Volunteer roles at KWAG provide hands-on training and an inside look at what happens behind the scenes at Waterloo Region’s largest public art gallery. You will also build your resume with great references and build upon your current skills, all while giving back to the community.

One of the best ways to meet others with common interests is to commit to shared activities together. Volunteering is a great way to connect with like-minded people, become an active participant in your community and broaden your support network. Volunteers also receive complimentary newsletters and special invites to openings and events.

“My favourite part about being a volunteer at KWAG is that I am constantly learning something new, whether it is about art or our community. KWAG volunteer opportunities are both informative and fun, and a great way to meet new people and gain new perspective. KWAG is a supportive and comfortable environment, and every volunteer experience is engaging and exciting.”

  • Edina Pervanic, Volunteering since 2018       

 

Mission-driven organizations like KWAG are successful only if we maintain a strong volunteer base. Our current volunteers collectively serve over 2,000 hours annually! KWAG plays a vital educational role in the community, offering a full spectrum of artistic experiences for adults, children and families alike. By volunteering with us, you help meet the needs of people from all walks of life.

Volunteer Roles at KWAG

Flyer Distribution
Do you enjoy walking the downtown beat or taking in a weekday drive? We often need volunteers to deliver marketing materials throughout Waterloo Region and Guelph.

Art Activity Assistants
Are you an energetic, hands-on people-person? KWAG often hosts classes, camps and events where participants work on art projects. Help is needed to distribute art materials, share ideas and encourage creativity in children and adults alike.

A series of three photos showing volunteers helping children with art activities in the studio and family yoga in a gallery displaying large abstract paintings

Photographers and Videographers
KWAG is always looking for volunteer photographers to document public programs, events, classes and workshops.

Youth Council
Are you a high school student? Join the Youth Council! This dedicated group for volunteers ages 16-21 meet every other week throughout the school year to develop and deliver new gallery programs.

Series of three photos showing groups of teenagers working on art projects in the studio, standing behind a large chalk mandala in the Gallery forecourt, and posing in front of a Christmas tree at a holiday party

Multilingual Interpreters
We’re always looking for volunteers who can speak more than one language and would be comfortable lending their expertise to verifying translated materials and recording audio tours for our visitors. We are current recruiting volunteers with fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Cantonese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Serbian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Special Events Assistants
KWAG holds many special events throughout the year, from Opening Receptions and Artist Talks to fundraising galas and partner events. Volunteers provide hospitality services, public relations, and general event organization. Smart Serve is an asset for this role.

A series of three photos showing one woman offering a platter of food to another woman, and volunteers conversing and smiling together at two different exhibitions

Gallery Security
Works of art in KWAG's exhibitions can be very fragile and vulnerable to contact with the public. In such cases, we call upon volunteers to support Gallery security and discourage inappropriate behaviour in exhibition spaces.

Committee Members
Are you a natural leader? Committees such as the Black & Gold Gala Committee, the Acquisitions Committee and our Board of Directors offer opportunities for volunteers to work alongside staff on vital projects and initiatives.

A series of three photos showing volunteers handing papers to guests at a gala and posing together as a group of women in black formal wear

“I love that the Gallery is open and free to the community. Black & Gold raises funds to help keep it that way. I enjoy seeing the months of hard work come together on the day of the gala. I like being part of the small but dedicated team of staff and volunteers who creatively showcase the art and silent auction items and help to run the evening.”

  • Barb Billo, Volunteering since 2016

 

Becoming a Volunteer

KWAG's volunteer program is flexible to fit your needs. If you’d like to apply to become a volunteer at KWAG, please download the Volunteer Application Form and return the completed form via email to mail@kwag.on.ca or in person at the Gallery. Please feel free to call us at 519-579-5860 x100 for any questions or concerns.