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Volunteer Curator

Volunteer Curator at the Yarra Valley Waterwheel — exhibition planning, install/de-install, artist liaison and labels. Project-based, install + event availability.

Help plan and deliver exhibitions in collaboration with the Committee — concept, install, artist liaison and visitor engagement, under appropriate supervision.

To support the planning and delivery of exhibitions in a safe, organised and collaborative manner, contributing to engaging artistic outcomes while operating within appropriate volunteer responsibilities and workplace safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Exhibition Support (Not Sole Responsibility)

  • Assist in developing exhibition concepts in collaboration with the Committee or Lead Curator
  • Support artist selection processes (final decisions remain with authorised personnel)
  • Contribute to exhibition planning and scheduling

Artist & Stakeholder Liaison

  • Support communication with artists regarding exhibition requirements and timelines
  • Assist in collecting artwork information and documentation

Exhibition Installation & Delivery

  • Assist with installation and deinstallation of exhibitions under supervision
  • Follow all safety procedures when handling artworks, tools or equipment
  • Maintain safe, clean and organised exhibition spaces

Volunteer Support (Limited Scope)

  • Provide guidance to other volunteers during exhibition setup (not formal supervision)
  • Escalate any issues or concerns to the Volunteer Coordinator or Committee

Event & Program Support

  • Assist with exhibition openings and public programs
  • Support safe visitor engagement within the space

Administration & Documentation

  • Assist with maintaining exhibition records and materials
  • Contribute to labels or interpretive text where appropriate

Key Relationships

Reports to: Committee / Appointed Supervisor

Works with: Volunteer Coordinator, artists, volunteers

Selection Criteria

Essential

  • Interest in visual arts and exhibitions
  • Ability to follow instructions and work within guidelines
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Reliable and safety-conscious approach

Desirable

  • Experience in galleries, exhibitions or events
  • Basic understanding of artwork handling or installation

Commitment

Flexible, project-based. Availability for installs and events.

Benefits

  • Experience in exhibition development and delivery
  • Skills in teamwork, coordination and arts engagement
  • Opportunity to contribute to a community arts environment

Compliance & Safety (Victoria)

Volunteer Status

  • This is a voluntary, unpaid role
  • The position does not replace a paid employee
  • No expectation of ongoing employment

Work Health & Safety (OHS)

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), the organisation must:

  • Provide a safe working environment
  • Offer appropriate training, instruction and supervision
  • Identify and manage risks (e.g. manual handling, ladders, tools, trip hazards)

The volunteer must:

  • Take reasonable care for their own safety and others
  • Follow all instructions, policies and procedures
  • Report hazards, incidents or injuries immediately

Prohibited / Restricted Tasks

Volunteers must not:

  • Undertake high-risk work without training and supervision
  • Use specialised equipment unless authorised
  • Be solely responsible for safety decisions or supervision of others
  • Perform duties that should reasonably be undertaken by paid staff

Insurance

  • Volunteers must be covered by Volunteer Personal Accident Insurance
  • Public Liability Insurance must also be in place

Screening (if applicable)

Police Check and/or Working with Children Check (if required).