Gertrude contemporary Volunteer Program
About Gertrude Gertrude Contemporary is a not-for-profit gallery and studio complex that has been supporting contemporary artists for over 30 years. Gertrude is valued nationally and respected internationally as a dynamic center for the production and presentation of contemporary art. Since our establishment in 1985, Gertrude has played an essential role in the visual arts sector, shaping the careers for many of Australia s most celebrated artists. We are an incubator and launching pad for emerging and mid-career artists. Our artistic program including our studio and exhibition program is unique in its equal emphasis on the production and presentation of contemporary art. This dual emphasis enables us to support artists to explore new ideas and present risk-taking work at pivotal points in their careers. Gertrude s alumni distinguish themselves in major Australian and international exhibitions and collections with 17 of the 20 artists representing Australia at the Venice Biennale since 1995 having been Gertrude Studio or exhibiting artists. Gertrude gives audiences unique insight into the creative development of artists. Gertrude enables creative and professional development in its strong community of arts practitioners through the studio program and the exhibition program, run across two venues. Artists are connected to Gertrude s diverse audience through the exhibition program, education workshops and public programs. This nexus between art practitioners and audience is essential to all of Gertrude s activities. Gertrude Contemporary operates two sites, presenting major exhibitions at 21-31 High Street, Preston South and solo projects by Gertrude Studio Artists at Gertrude Glasshouse, 44 Glasshouse Road Collingwood.
Exhibition Program Gertrude s major exhibition program is held in our main gallery spaces at 21-31 High Street, Preston. Gertrude Contemporary was designed by Melbourne-based architects Edition Office. Six- eight exhibitions are programmed annually, consisting of curated group shows and solo artist exhibitions. With the notable exception of the annual Gertrude Studios exhibition, our major exhibitions provide a platform for exciting Australian emerging and mid-career artists who are not current participants of our local studio program. Special commissions of risk-taking contemporary art practice and contextualisation of Australia art practice amongst the work of international peers are key focuses of the exhibition program. Key annual exhibitions at Gertrude are Octopus, supported by Proclaim Management, a long-term supporter of Gertrude & our annual Studio s exhibition, where all studio artists present work in a group exhibition. Gertrude and Next Wave also have a relationship, and we host exhibitions bi-annually as part of the Next Wave Festival. Gertrude Glasshouse at 44 Glasshouse Rd, Collingwood is our satellite exhibition space, generously supported by longterm patrons Michael Schwarz and David Clouston. Gertrude Glasshouse was designed by award-winning architects at Sibling. Approximately, eight exhibitions are programmed annually, as part of Gertrude s Studio Artist Solo Exhibition Program which provides our local studio artists with the opportunity to undertake an ambitious, risk-taking exhibition in a state-of the-art exhibition gallery during their tenure with us. The exhibition program is curated by Mark Feary, our Artistic Director, through an invitation process there is no open call out for exhibitions in our program.
Studio Program The studio complex at Gertrude Contemporary encompasses sixteen large, subsidized, nonresidential studios that are available to early-practice and mid-career artists for a period of two years. Studio Artists benefit from working within a supported and collegiate environment, and have the opportunity to exhibit their work in the annual Gertrude Studios exhibition as well as a solo artist exhibition in Gertrude Glasshouse. The local Studio Artist Program is a highly coveted opportunity and as a result is subject to rigorous and competitive selection process involving a selection panel of both Gertrude staff and external advisors. Residential Studio Program Gertrude s Residential Studio Program is integral to the organization s ongoing commitment to cultural exchange between artists, and to the establishment of partnerships with colleague institutions internationally. The program is no longer on site in the complex, but will run through a number of partnerships with host residential spaces, such as the University of Melbourne.
Volunteering at Gertrude Volunteering with Gertrude Contemporary is a great way to gain exposure to the workings and daily operations of a public non-for-profit arts organisation, build contacts and networks in the visual arts industry, learn about Gertrude s artistic program and contribute to the community at Gertrude. Candidates should possess an interest in and appreciation for contemporary art, have a flexible attitude and some experience in public facing roles, a proficiency with computer programs and an understanding of Melbourne s local arts sector. The volunteer program aims to provide participants with an overall understanding of gallery operations, focusing on front of house activities, install and deinstall duties as well as programs and events. Volunteers at Gertrude have a truly unique experience. As a Gertrude volunteer, you will: Learn more about contemporary art through direct engagement with artists, arts professionals and artistic programming; Meet like-minded art enthusiasts and professionals; Be able to share your knowledge and passion for contemporary art with our visitors; Gain experience in a leading contemporary art institution. What do volunteers do? Volunteers receive training and perform a variety of duties, depending on their interest area, skills and experience. We have four areas in which we place volunteers: Front of House, Install and De-install, Photography and Programs and Events. If you are interested in joining our volunteer programs, please outline what role you are intersted in and why you d like to join the volunteer team to Siobhan Sloper, Gallery Coordinator, at siobhan@gertrude.org.au
Front of House Volunteers Front of House volunteers act as a first point of contact for all visitors to Gertrude and perform a skilled and vital role for the organization that requires excellent interpersonal and communications skills, a general knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art and the confidence to publically represent Gertrude in a professional manner. General duties for volunteer activities include: Greeting and engaging with gallery visitors Answering and redirecting phone calls and taking messages where appropriate Responding to emails (info@gertrude.org.au) Providing general assistance and accurate information to visitors; in person, via email and telephone, about Gertrude, its history, as well as current and upcoming exhibitions and programs Assisting with administering visitor surveys Assisting with general administration tasks as required Ensuring the gallery space is clean and tidy Invigilating exhibition spaces Commitment of one, 5 hour shift per week or fortnight, over an exhibition period, usually 6 8 weeks. (3-6 shifts per exhibition period). Regular and ongoing commitment will be discussed with successful applicants at the end of each exhibition.
Photography Volunteers Photography Volunteers provide their skills in photography and image editing to Gertrude for various events and activities. These include: Photographing events and exhibitions Assisting with photography for public programs Other Gertrude related activities Photography Volunteers are required to have previous knowledge and skill in professional photogaraphy image editing, and are required to use their own camera throughout this role.volunteers are also credited for their work.this role allows photographers to improve on their pre-existing skills, as well as allowing them to showcase their photography on the Gertrude website and throughout its digital and print publications.these include: Exhibition catalogues The Gertrude website Annual reports Organisational flyers This volunteer position has the opportunity to become a paid roll for selected volunteers. The commitment of photography volunteering averages 4 hours once a month,but may vary according to the program.
Install / De-install Volunteers Install volunteers work closely with Gertrude s Exhibitions Manager, Gallery Coordinator and exhibiting artists to install and de-install Gertrude s exhibition program by undertaking physical work to assist with the realization of each exhibition. Patching walls Painting Assisting with the handling of artwork Assisting with the installation or hanging of artwork Cleaning the gallery in preparation for opening Commitment of 8 24 hours every 7-8 weeks. Exhibition installation/ de-installation takes pace over one or two weeks between exhibition periods. There are approximately 6 exhibitions at Gertrude every year, which are open for a period of 6 weeks. Program and Event Volunteers Program and event volunteers work closely with Gertrude s Gallery Coordinator to provide essential support to Gertrude s public program, events and exhibition openings. General duties include: Greeting, assisting and directing visitors Invigilating exhibition spaces Assisting with the setting up and packing down of furniture and equipment for events, public programs and openings Bartending (only applicable to volunteers with an RSA) Collecting and washing wine glasses Commitment of 3 hours per month, 5.30 pm 8.30 pm at exhibition openings, public programs and special events. These events take place on weeknights, usually Fridays.