Join & Support

Volunteer

Join a creative community that's making a real difference

Two people are sat at a table talking and looking at a laptop.

Volunteers play a vital role at Venture Arts

You’ll bring energy, ideas and an extra pair of hands to our busy Hulme studio – working alongside our artists and facilitators to help create a warm, welcoming space where creativity can flourish.

In return, you’ll meet brilliant people, gain hands-on experience and become part of a genuinely supportive creative community.

What does volunteering involve?

Volunteers assist facilitators to deliver studio sessions, working alongside artists as they explore ideas, develop their creative practice and make new work.

Depending on the session, you might:

Help prepare materials in the studio
Support artists with their practical work
Share a particular skill or area of knowledge
Chat, listen, and help create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere
Occasionally assist on field trips, events or other Venture Arts activities

You’ll also meet a huge variety of people, not just the artists, facilitators and staff, but fellow volunteers from all walks of life. People come to us for all sorts of reasons. Some want to spend time doing something enjoyable while giving back to the community, others are building experience in the arts, social care, psychology, education or health.

Venture Arts artist Terry working in the studio with a volunteer.

“I’m usually helping Merida’s group with ceramics which might mean helping roll out clay, talking through ideas with artists…I bring a lot of facilitation and art experience, as well as friendliness, kindness and fun chat (I hope!). I get back a lot of happiness, new skills and rewarding relationships. “

Sandy, Venture Arts volunteer

Want to hear more from Sandy? Read her full story on our blog

What to expect

Volunteering takes place at our Hulme studio, and we ask for a commitment of one regular session a week, for at least two months, at a set day and time – each session is a minimum of two hours.

You’ll need to be 18 or over and live within the Greater Manchester area. We cover reasonable travel expenses, and we’ll also arrange and pay for a DBS check for you. You’ll also get a proper induction before you start, plus ongoing support from the team.

How Can I Volunteer?

If you’re interested in volunteering with us please complete the application form below and email it to louisa@venturearts.org. If you have any questions feel free to drop us an email or call us on 0161 232 1223 – we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteer Info Pack

Volunteer Application Form (will download to your machine)