Volunteering at the Chinchilla White Gums Art Gallery
- 14 May 2015
The Chinchilla White Gums Art Gallery is a 100% volunteer operated organisation. The Gallery committee discuss how volunteering works at the Gallery.
Brief description of the organisation
Chinchilla White Gums Art Gallery takes its name from the Chinchilla White Gum (Eucalyptus argophloia) first identified in the Burncluith area. It was opened as an Art Gallery in December 1999 and is managed by the Chinchilla White Gums Art Gallery Inc Committee. The Gallery is maintained wholly by volunteers and operates with the support of the Western Downs Regional Council. The Art Gallery holds between 10 to 12 exhibitions each year, with exhibits coming from local and visiting artists, and touring exhibitions from major art galleries and organisations.
How many volunteers does your organisation have and what roles do they undertake?
We have about 20 volunteers who range in age from 30 to 90 years. Our volunteers come from various backgrounds. I would say most have an interest in the arts and just enjoy helping in a community organisation.
Volunteers undertake jobs as diverse as the exhibition facilitator, exhibition curator, installation crew, Committee members, media officer, desktop publishers or maintenance of the reception desk. They facilitate artist’s and youth workshops, provide support for local visual arts events and different age and cultural groups, stage visual arts competitions each yea, and support diversity in all forms of visual arts practice.
Membership of the Art Gallery can be either financial or volunteer based. Members pay a yearly subscription to support the gallery. Volunteer members do the day to day managing of the Art Gallery, working 2 x three hour shifts per month.
What training and support are provide to volunteers at the gallery?
To continue with the high standard of practices at the Art Gallery we offer comprehensive ongoing training for volunteers that encompasses our own Gallery practices, Work Place Health and Safety procedures and we strive to follow the National Australian Museum Standards.
Why do people like to volunteer at the gallery?
Benefits of volunteering at the Chinchilla White Gums Art gallery include: opening a window into the world of the Visual Arts locally, statewide and nationally; providing an insight into the workings of an Art Gallery which enhances artisans’ own arts practice; meeting a diverse range of visitors including locals and travellers and physical and mental stimulation through participation in preparing for and setting up an exhibition.
What types of challenges does an organisation run by volunteers face?
The major challenge we have is finding enough volunteers to keep the gallery doors open every day except Sundays. The facilities for the gallery are good, the procedures are well established, and we do get a regular flow of visitors.
How do you think volunteers benefit White Gums Art Gallery?
Without our volunteers the Art Gallery would not be here. The Chinchilla White Gums Art Gallery ethos is: It takes a Team to make it work. None of us can operate without the support of each other.
Is the Gallery doing anything to celebrate National Volunteer Week?
The Western Downs Regional Council provides a general morning tea for all volunteers at Council-based facilities as recognition of their contribution to the community.
Chinchilla White Gums Art Gallery is a community-run gallery housed within the cultural precinct of Chinchilla’s CBD. The Art Gallery is open every weekday from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon.
Images courtesy Chinchilla White Gums Art Gallery