Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at the Museum of East Asian Art. Unfortunately, we are not currently recruiting volunteers, but please keep an eye on our website and get back in touch in the future.
"Having spent most of my childhood in Southeast Asia I love being surrounded by objects which remind me of a culture that made a huge impact on my young life... I enjoy continuing to learn more about East Asian culture and artefacts, whether that is within our own museum from fellow volunteers or staff or from visits to other museums."
Cindy, Gallery Volunteer
Role purpose
Gallery Volunteers help promote a high-quality visitor experience in the Museum and galleries. You will provide an enthusiastic welcome to all visitors, be responsive to their needs and always ready to share information which enhances their visit. You will monitor objects on display and be conscious of general security and health and safety, reporting any issues or concerns to Museum staff.
Main duties
We are looking for volunteers who are...
Friendly, enjoy meeting new people and have an interest in the arts or East Asian culture. You are confident communicating with visitors of all ages and backgrounds, want to help promote the Museum’s activities and are passionate about providing excellent visitor experience. You enjoy interacting and engaging with visitors and connecting with them through the collection and exhibitions. You won’t mind that sometimes it will be quieter than other times and are able to both work as part of a team or own your own.
Why you might enjoy this role...
You will gain insight into the workings of a small museum, develop your visitor service skills through engaging with the public and deepen your knowledge of East Asian art and culture through the collection. You will also be able to volunteer at other Museum events and workshops, and attend learning opportunities such as exhibition briefings and Volunteer Sharing Sessions. As a volunteer you will benefit from free entry to the Museum, 10% discount in the Shop, discounted entry to workshops and events, social volunteer events and more.
How to get involved
This role is open to individuals aged 18 years or over. You can register your interest with the Volunteer Coordinator or apply online. Prior to joining the team, applicants are invited for an informal chat and attend an induction session with the Volunteer Coordinator. Your first shift is spent shadowing an experienced volunteer and you will be given role-specific training and relevant opportunities to learn about the Museum, collection and visitor experience. Gallery Volunteers are supervised by the Membership and Volunteer Coordinator, who is there to support you and deal with any questions or concerns.
Availability and schedule
Volunteer shifts are generally 2-3 hours long and available during Museum open hours. Volunteer shifts can be scheduled in pairs or alone, depending on volunteer needs and availability.
"I had just retired and looked for places to volunteer. I wasn’t going to volunteer straight away, but saw it and thought it was right up my street! The shop was suited to my skills because I just like meeting people, talking to people, being nice and helpful to people."
Sue, Front of House Volunteer
Role purpose
Front of House Volunteers provide a warm welcome to visitors, offer information about the Museum and ensure a high-quality visitor experience from the start to the end of their visit. Working on the front desk in the Museum Shop, you will provide excellent customer service, sell admission tickets and promote Museum products, as well as deal with any Front of House enquiries.
Main duties
We are looking for volunteers who are...
Socially outgoing, passionate about people and want to help! You enjoy selling products in a retail setting, are confident dealing with the till and telephone and are excited to represent the Museum through your positive approach. You may have an interest in the arts or East Asian culture, want to gain work experience, or perhaps you are new to Bath and want to meet new people. You won’t mind that sometimes it will be quieter than other times and are able to use your initiative when on your own.
Why you might enjoy this role...
You will gain insight into the workings of a small museum, develop your visitor service skills through engaging with the public and learn new skills. You will also be able to volunteer at other Museum events and workshops, and attend learning opportunities such as exhibition briefings and Volunteer Sharing Sessions. As a volunteer you will benefit from free entry to the Museum, 10% discount in the Shop, discounted entry to workshops and events, social volunteer events and more!
How to get involved
This role is open to individuals aged 18 years or over. You can register your interest with the Volunteer Coordinator or apply online. Prior to joining the team, applicants are invited for an informal chat and will be provided with two induction sessions and training by the Volunteer Coordinator and Retail & Front of House Manager. Although Front of House is one of the more comprehensive roles, volunteers are not expected to learn everything straight away. Your first shift is spent shadowing an experienced volunteer and you can buddy up with another volunteer until you are confident to be at Front of House by yourself. You will also be given role-specific training and relevant opportunities to learn about the Museum, collection and visitor experience. Front of House Volunteers are supervised by the Retail & Front of House Manager, who is there to support you and deal with any questions or concerns.
Availability and schedule
Volunteer shifts are generally 2-3 hours long and available during opening hours.
The Museum of East Asian Art is the only museum in the UK solely dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of East and Southeast Asian arts and cultures. We collect, preserve and exhibit artefacts representing more than 7,000 years of artistry and craftsmanship from East and South East Asia. We offer a broad range of opportunities to enjoy and learn about our unique collection and strive to be as accessible to as wide an audience as possible. To achieve this we encourage education, creativity, dialogue and research, and deliver a wide programme of rich learning and cultural experiences.
