Volunteer at the AGH
The Art Gallery of Hamilton would not exist without the generosity of time and spirit from our valuable volunteers. Join our group of committed volunteers today and help support the arts in Hamilton and beyond!
The AGH Volunteer Association was established almost 75 years ago, to help the AGH bring its incredible collections, programmes and exhibitions to the public. Working in collaboration with staff, AGH Volunteers support Gallery in a wide variety of roles delivering a wonderful experience for all our visitors.
In 2025 the Art Gallery of Hamilton’s Volunteer Association will celebrate 75 years of supporting the Gallery! To celebrate this significant milestone the Volunteers of the AGH are initiating a campaign to raise $10,000 towards the purchase of a new artwork for the permanent collection of the AGH. This donation will empower the purchase of a work of art to be featured within the permanent collection of the AGH into the future as we work towards the future of the AGH in the city of Hamilton. Donate here!
Interested in becoming a volunteer? Click here to access the online application. At this time we are accepting applications and will next be conducting volunteer interviews in late Summer/early Fall 2022. The Art Gallery of Hamilton is grateful for your interest in volunteering, and we look forward to getting to know you.
The AGH accepts applications year-round, and offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities:
- Educational Docents
- Film Volunteers
- Special Event Volunteers
- Visitor & Member Services
- Retail
- We thank everyone for their interest, please note we are not recruiting volunteers under 18 at this time.
BENEFITS
In addition to knowing that they are personally supporting the Gallery through sharing their time and talents, Volunteers receive the following benefits in thanks for their support:
- Behind-the-scenes view of the AGH and its operation
- Complimentary admission to all Gallery exhibitions
- Discounts in the Shop at AGH
- Reciprocal benefits under the Attractions Ontario Reciprocal Admission Program, including complimentary admission and discounts to various attractions across Ontario. For a complete listing of these benefits, contact the Membership department.
- Recognition by the Gallery and the Volunteer Association through Ontario Service Awards, National Volunteer Week, AGH Volunteer Awards, and more.
- A discounted price on your Membership.
Explore the positions below to find out how you can contribute to the Gallery as a Volunteer. No matter your age or skill set, there is a place for you at the AGH! For any questions, please reach out to volunteering@artgalleryofhamilton.com
VOLUNTEER POSITIONS
Education Docents
Docents are specially trained volunteers who facilitate tour experiences for visiting groups of all ages- after a ten-session training course the role of a docent includes:
- Plan and conduct tours alone and in collaboration with others
- Use inquiry, discussion and interactive strategies to facilitate small groups of all ages, needs, and abilities in connecting personally with the art
- Learn about new exhibitions
- Develop and refine touring strategies
- Adhere to the policies and procedures in the AGH Docent Manual
- Work both independently and as a member of a team
- Use the computer and internet for research and development
Festival Volunteers
Festival volunteers support the Film Festival, an annual 10-day event in October. The responsibilities of festival volunteers are:
- Set-up, modify, and take-down event spaces when necessary
- Welcome, direct, and assist with seating
- Greet the public
- Support ticket sales on-site
Special Events Volunteers
The AGH hosts a wide variety of community-based events ranging from the annual family Picnic, to exhibition openings, to private functions such as weddings, showers and private parties. The responsibilities of special events volunteers include:
- Provide guests with a positive first impression of the AGH by offering individualized service, and by maintaining an approachable manner
- Participate in special events in one or more roles: greeting/directing, coat check, ticket sales, promotion, registration, information desk, set-up, gallery ambassador, usher, and performer assistant.
- Set-up and take-down event spaces when required
- Provide administrative assistance
Retail Volunteers
The Art Gallery of Hamilton operates the Shop at AGH, where we showcase art and design related merchandise and support local and regional artists as part of our Art Sales + Services program. Retail Volunteers responsibilities are to:
- Provide excellent customer service: greet customers, answer questions, and use judgement to determine the level of service required
- Keep up to date on products and convey this information to customers
- Receive, price, and inventory merchandise
- Assist in upkeep of the store’s appearance
- Assist at special Retail events
Visitor and Member Services Volunteers
The AGH welcomes over 250,000 visitors annually from Hamilton and beyond. As a volunteer, you will help run the Visitor Services desk where you will be the first point of contact and instill a positive impression of the Gallery. You will provide information on Gallery exhibitions, programs and events, as well as process admission, Membership sales, and ticket sales.
LEARN MORE
The AGH Volunteer Association Manual contains important and useful information on the AGH Volunteer program – including job descriptions, policies, and an overview of the Volunteer Association’s governance structure.
From the Canadian Art Collection
The Victorian Dress c.1914
Helen McNicoll (Canadian 1879-1915)
oil on canvas, Gift of A. Sidney Dawes, Esq., M.C., 1958