Curatorial Volunteer, Uni of Reading Art Collections (MERL)
Curatorial Volunteer – University of Reading Art Collections
Closing date: 9am Friday 10 October
Location:
Volunteering role for University of Reading Art Collections – normally based at The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, Reading RG1 5EX
Why we want you
You will assist the University Art Collection Team with a range of tasks in connection to the management and promotion of the University Art Collection.
We are offering this role as an opportunity for anyone interested in developing a career working in museums and galleries for a fixed period. This is initially until Christmas 2025, with the possibility of extending beyond this period.
What you will be doing
- Collections-based research
- Editing photography files
- Contributing to the development of online material, including blogs and social media
- Basic administrative work, including creation of object files
What you will gain in return
- Experience of working with an art collection
- Experience of collections-based research
- Experience within a museum environment as part of a small team
This role will suit you if you have
- An interest in art collections, both historical and contemporary
- Good IT skills
- Ability to work independently
- Good time management skills and attention to detail
How much time will it take up?
This role best suits someone who can provide about one day a week
Who will I report to?
You will report to Clare Plascow, Art and Collections Manager
How to apply
Please complete your volunteer registration form on our volunteering platform by Friday 10th October.
If you are using a mobile or tablet, once you click ‘Fill in an Application’, look out for the suggestion ‘It looks like you are on a mobile device. For a better experience on smart phones, go to Mobile Application Form’ and click on the link it suggests.
Ensure you tick ‘Curatorial Volunteer – Art Collections’ in your ‘Interests’ Section under ‘My Profile’*
When you are happy with your application, please don’t forget to click SUBMIT – otherwise we will never receive your form!
Existing volunteers/ already registered your application - If you are already registered to volunteer with Museums Partnership Reading, please log in to the volunteering platform, click on My Profile, select the ‘Interests’ section, and ensure you tick ‘Curatorial Volunteer – Art Collections’ in your ‘Interests’ Section under ‘My Profile’*
Matching to the role
We often find that many more volunteers apply for the role than we have vacancies, particularly for behind the scenes roles.
Please include key relevant information when answering the application form questions, as this may be used if we need to shortlist from a larger group of applicants
You are welcome to attach your CV if you wish, but it is unlikely to be used for the shortlisting process.
A hard copy application form is available for those who are not confident in using computers or have limited digital access.
Please email VolunteeringHQ@reading.ac.uk and we can send you a Word application form which can be completed digitally, or printed and handed in.
If you are shortlisted for this role, we will be in touch directly soon after the closing date and invite you to an informal interview with Sheila Fisher (Museums Partnership Reading Volunteer Coordinator) and Clare Plascow (Art and Collections Manager)
