MK Gallery wants you!

Posted 27th May 2021

It is National Volunteers’ Week from 1 to 7 June and MK Gallery is heaping praise and gratitude on its army of existing volunteers. At the same time, we are inviting new recruits to sign up and join our ranks. 

The Gallery is hosting an open evening for volunteers on Friday 4 June, between 4-7pm, for those who are curious and keen to find out more about volunteering. 

Potential newcomers will have an afterhours, volunteer-led tour of the Memphis: Plastic Field exhibition while learning about the role of a gallery assistant. They’ll visit the Skyroom, which houses the Gallery’s in-house cinema, so those interested in film can see how volunteers facilitate the screenings and run the kiosk. 

The open evening will be hosted in the Gallery café – where volunteers often enjoy a catch-up with each other before or after their sessions. In this colourful and airy space, potential new recruits can meet and chat with current volunteers, ask questions and have a cup of tea. 

Annette Parmar, Volunteer Manager, is leading the charge: 

‘I cannot thank our volunteers enough. They are an incredible group of diverse and dedicated people giving their time and energy to help ensure our visitors have a wonderful experience at the Gallery. I’m looking forward to meeting and greeting new faces at our open evening. My aim is to recruit 40 new volunteers before December. 

‘We welcome everyone from 14 years onwards. Our youngest volunteer is 14 and our oldest is 83. There’s so much flexibility – you can volunteer regularly, once a week, or be flexible and fit in a session around your schedule. 

‘You may be a student or retired, wanting to try something different, add to your CV, build new skills, or meet new people. Whatever your reason for volunteering, you will be very much part of who we are and what we do at this world-class gallery. We are all part of the same team.’ 

Currently, the Gallery has 160 volunteers and as part of National Volunteers’ Week Annette is keen to thank them for their contribution to the smooth running of the Gallery and to share what they say about their volunteering experiences at MK Gallery. 

Debbie Williams said: 

I love the exhibitions, and the contact with the public, being able to discuss with them and get feedback. The staff at the Gallery are always welcoming to us volunteers, it is good to feel part of the MK Gallery family. 

Stephen Goodlad said: 

I have never been arty, but I wanted a role that was different and since I became a volunteer, I have learned a bit more about the arts and it has prompted further reading. My medium is writing but I have learned to appreciate creativity in other ways and that is through the volunteers at MKG and the exhibitions. 

Marjorie MacIntosh said: 

I enjoy meeting the staff and other volunteers as well as the visitors. I also like the chance to become very familiar with each exhibition in a way not possible when you are just a visitor. 

Jo Hall said: 

I love the art installations, the venue, and its mission. I like volunteering at MK Gallery as there is a good opportunity to be a part of the MK Gallery community and I feel valued. 

To attend the event, people can book a place by email: Annette Parmar aparmar@mkgallery.org or telephone 01908 558305. 

MK Gallery’s safety measures comply with current Government guidance.