Education Volunteer

WHO WE ARE
Oakville Galleries is a contemporary art museum located 30 km west of Toronto. Housed in two spaces—one alongside downtown Oakville’s library and the other in a lakeside mansion and park—Oakville Galleries is one of Canada’s leading art institutions, presenting the work of emerging and established artists from across Canada and around the world. 

Oakville Galleries is located on Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee. As an institution, Oakville Galleries recognizes the importance of establishing and maintaining meaningful and respectful relationships with the original inhabitants and keepers of the land, and we are grateful for the opportunity to operate on this territory.

POSITION SUMMARY
Oakville Galleries offers engaging art programs for children, teens, adults, and families throughout the year. Education Volunteers play an important role in creating welcoming, creative, and inspiring experiences for our community by supporting Education staff with program preparation, participant engagement, and art-making activities.

Volunteers have the opportunity to support a variety of programs based on their availability, including:
PA Day programs
Weekend family programs
Adult workshops
Evening education programs
Community events 

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who enjoy working with children, have an interest in contemporary art and arts education, and are excited to contribute to a positive, inclusive learning environment. Successful volunteers are reliable, proactive, and attentive to the needs of participants and instructors. They take initiative, work collaboratively with staff and fellow volunteers, and are eager to contribute wherever support is needed.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES 
Education Volunteers support a wide range of educational programs and assist Education staff in creating welcoming, engaging, and inclusive experiences for participants of all ages. Responsibilities may include:

Participant Support
Welcoming participants and helping them feel comfortable and engaged throughout educational programs.
Greeting participants upon arrival and directing them to the appropriate program space.
Supporting children, teens, and adults as they participate in hands-on art-making activities by providing encouragement and one-on-one assistance when needed.
Assisting participants who require additional support while respecting different learning styles, abilities, and levels of experience.
Encouraging creativity, confidence, and participation while helping create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Program Support
Assisting instructors by anticipating participant needs, identifying opportunities to provide support, and helping ensure programs run smoothly.
Monitoring education spaces to help maintain a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment.
Helping monitor the use of shared art materials and notifying staff when supplies need to be replenished.
Reporting participant needs, safety concerns, spills, or other concerns to Education staff as they arise.
Program Preparation and Cleanup
Assisting with the setup and takedown of educational programs, including arranging tables, chairs, and program materials.
Preparing, organizing, replenishing, and cleaning art materials and supplies before, during, and after programs.
Washing brushes, wiping tables, sorting reusable materials, returning supplies to storage, sweeping program spaces, and completing other cleanup tasks following each program.

Events and Teamwork
Supporting a variety of educational initiatives, including workshops, camps, PA Day programs, Family Saturdays, special events, outreach programs, and other public programming.
Working collaboratively with Education staff and fellow volunteers while taking initiative to identify and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Representing Oakville Galleries in a professional, welcoming, respectful, and reliable manner at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS
Be 15 years of age or older (Please note that volunteers that are age 18 or older will require a mandatory Vulnerable Sector Check obtained from their local police station. Costs are covered by the volunteer.)    
Have an interest in contemporary art and art education.
Enjoy working with children and supporting learners of all ages. 
Be friendly, patient, and approachable.
Have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Work well as part of a collaborative team while also completing tasks independently. 
Be attentive to the needs of participants, instructors, and fellow volunteers.
Be proactive and willing to take initiative when assisting with programs.

Please contact volunteering@oakvillegalleries.com if you have any questions.