Derby Museums

Joseph Wright: From the Shadows- Become a Wright Ambassador! 

This summer we welcome Joseph Wright: From the Shadows, an incredible exhibition showcasing Wright's candlelight paintings. With over twenty works, including paintings, mezzotints, works on paper and objects the exhibition explores both Wright of Derby’s artistic practice and the historic context of scientific and artistic development in which they were made. It will also be the first time in 79 years that the Orrery and the Bird in the Air Pump, two of Wright's most well known enlightenment paintings, will be on display together in Derby. Exciting times! 

Join our volunteer team of Wright ambassadors and share the wonder of these fantastic paintings.

How you’ll be making a difference

 As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in engaging and giving visibility to hidden narratives within the artworks, engaging visitors in discussion and storytelling and encouraging visitors to discover their inner artist with many of the creativity stations throughout the exhibition. 

Proposed time donation

We would be grateful for any time you could give to facilitating the experience for our visitors. The exhibition will take place between May to September 2025 and volunteering can take place any time within Museum opening hours. We will work with you and other volunteers to accommodate your preference and availability wherever possible.

Location

Derby Museum & Art Gallery in the second floor temporary exhibitions space.

Tasks

• Interact with visitors around the museum to share your passion, knowledge, enthusiasm or curiosity for the work of Joseph Wright
• Be an attentive ear and engage with curious visitors through sharing knowledge, curiosities, anecdotes, personal favourites, hidden features and other unexpected delights.
• Encouraging visitors to find their inner artists with some of the creative activities on gallery.
• Join the team in making sure all areas are clean and tidy, ensuring all spaces are welcoming, safe and ready for visitors.
• Promote activities, fundraising initiatives, events, and commercial events – acting as ambassadors for Derby Museums.
• Be there for people. Proactively looking out for those who need assistance or guidance.

This role may be for you if you are: 

• Friendly, helpful, and love talking to people and listening to their stories  
• Wanting to engage and communicate with others and share knowledge, passion, enthusiasm and/or curiosity for an exciting Joseph Wright collection
• Are willing to be creative and have a go at some of the activities on gallery
• Intrigued and excited to know more
• Someone who takes pride and is enthusiastic for Derby and Derby Museums.

Getting started

• We proudly commit to enriching our team by progressing diversity, inclusion, relevance and accessibility into all we do - including volunteer engagement. We especially welcome applications from the global majority, and we'll work with you to break barriers. Get in touch if you'd prefer to talk in person about volunteering.
• We will provide training to ensure you feel happy, safe and confident in your role. Your training will cover themes within the works, historical context, as well as the volunteer role within the galleries and basic health and safety within the space. 
• The "Getting Started" section shares proposed dates for training, including a talk on Joseph Wright by our Head of Exhibitions and gallery inductions. Expect an email from us beforehand should this be your first time volunteering within our spaces. 

Getting support

• Hope Slater coordinates your volunteering experience at Derby Museums. They can support you with Wellness Action Plans for any physical or mental health needs, arrange volunteer socials, or discuss personal goals linked to the opportunity.