Are you excited and curious about what you have seen at the Castlemaine Art Museum?
If so, why not consider volunteering as a guide and joining their team of like-minded art lovers.
Volunteer guide James McArdle said the CAM guides welcomed visitors to exhibitions, helping them enjoy their experience by interacting on a one-to-one basis or with small groups.
“We are looking for people who enjoy talking about art and who are also good listeners. You don’t have to lecture to large groups – the most desirable qualification is infectious enthusiasm,” James said.
“We’d love to see some young people in particular join our ranks.
“Return visitors, and others who have never been to the gallery, are our guests; they may be artists or teachers of art; some are friends of people exhibiting; holidaying families bring their children; academics or collectors may come with specific interests.
“Our elegant Art Deco building was born from the love of local founders, women and men, for art and for their historic town. In the midst of the Great Depression, they had it built to house an enviable collection of exclusively Australian art and locally acquired artefacts, many generously donated,” James said.
New guides will be welcomed and introduced to the role in weekly two-hour workshops starting Wednesday February 22 at 1pm.
The sessions will help you make the best of your interests for your contributions to the role and you may just make some wonderful new friends in the process.
After training, you will be invited to provide your service 1-3pm on Fridays or Saturdays or Sundays, one or two times a month.
“We also meet to workshop newly hung exhibitions, so we are across new offerings,” James said.
“We are a social group and together we visit other galleries and exhibitions and enjoy openings and artist talks.
“You will have the opportunity to meet exhibitors, conservator and curators, the director and managers, and engage with the front-of-house staff, all of whom appreciate your generosity in volunteering.
“An example of our contribution is in the current exhibition which shows ‘Reflections’ on the collection, some written by our guides,” James said.
Expressions of interest for new guides are now open. Simply submit a paragraph or two on your background and interest in art and in guiding at CAM and email it to: info@castlemaineartmuseum.org.au by Friday February 17 at 5pm.
