We have been privileged to work with some exceptionally talented individuals as Photoworks volunteers. Photoworks greatly benefits from volunteers’ efforts, and we hope that volunteering with us offers much sought-after experience of working in a busy arts organisation. Voluntary opportunities run across all our activities.
Feedback from volunteers:
My time spent volunteering for Photoworks was a brilliant way for me to reconnect with the photography world following a break in my career and relocation to Brighton. I have gained valuable experience of working in a high profile arts organization from assisting with the running of the Biennial, helping with funding bids, exhibition set ups, assistance at Art Fairs to teaching photography skills to young people. As a photographer it has also been extremely useful to learn about the curatorial process and being surrounded by work of such high quality has been thought provoking and inspiring. Above all, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Photoworks and have made some great friends in the process.
Katy Martin
“Working at Photoworks has been a more varied experience than I ever imagined. From research projects for artists, to working at art fairs, to helping install exhibitions – I’ve had a fantastic and informative time.”
Isabella Smith is an Art History graduate from the University of Sussex, who volunteered as Projects and Programme Volunteer at Photoworks. Isabella started an MA at the Courtauld Institute in September 2014, and is focussing her research on gender and conflict in art history.
“Since joining Photoworks, I have shot and edited promotional videos and photographed events and private views – something I never would have expected to be doing, since the position I went for was geared towards administrative office-based duties. As a photographer, these added opportunities have been valuable in building up my portfolio. Photoworks has expanded my knowledge of visual arts – both in the UK and internationally, and it has connected me with all sorts of industry professionals. No matter what your desired area of development, you are likely to meet people who can help you get to where you want to be.”
Sarah Dickenson is a photographer living in Brighton; she graduated from University of Wales, Newport in 2012. She has since been studying Visual Arts in web-based and social media and completed a course with Berlin Centre for Curatorial Studies in 2013. She plans on continuing to further her work with Photoworks and her long-term goal of working in the arts.
“Photoworks has provided the ideal context to experience a role in which both theory and practice are engaged. There is an emphasis on a creative critical practice and working in a small team means the whole team work in this way. The role I have undertaken is both administrative and creative and has provided practical experience of a wide range of activities such as transcribing interviews, liaising with artists, and background research. I have also been lucky enough to develop my curatorial skills with active experience in a live project for the forthcoming biennial. Most importantly my role at Photoworks has provided me with an opportunity to invest and explore more deeply, areas which interest me to a higher level, and I have found it most fulfilling.”
Amy Bartholomew is currently studying an Art History and Curating MA at The University of Sussex.
“As a volunteer at Photoworks, I have been welcomed into a team who are particularly interested in making the experience benefit my own future. The team has taken an interest in both my areas of strength and my future career prospects and have catered the volunteering experience to suit these. This approach has opened up many doors for other external volunteering projects.”
Jessica Gatfield is a recent BA (Hons) Photography Graduate from University of Brighton. Jessica will be travelling to Tanzania in late 2014 to further her volunteering experience by teaching street children creative skills through the use of Art and Photography. Jessica’s ambition is to to set up her own workshops working closely with charities to benefit disadvantaged communities within Brighton and London.
To receive all our opportunities and ways to get involved, sign up to our newsletter.
Newsletter sign up