Volunteering at the Royal Academy…

RA Lates Volunteer

In the heart of Piccadilly, the Royal Academy of Arts is one of the UK’s leading arts institutions, dedicated to the making, exhibiting and debating of art. The RA has a diverse programme of exhibitions in 2017 from ‘Revolution: Russian Art 1917–1932’, to the ‘Summer Exhibition 2017’, ‘Matisse in the Studio’, ‘Jasper Johns’ and ‘Dali/Duchamp’.

RA Lates are themed, immersive nights of creativity, ideas and entertainment, inspired by our exhibitions.Each exhibition has its own special one-off RA Late, where the Royal Academy is magically transformed and we host an ever-changing line-up of curated entertainment.

What will you be doing?

RA Lates volunteers will have an active role in hosting activities, workshops or performances. Duties include:

  • Assisting workshop leaders with setting up and dressing their space with props and workshop materials, ensuring the workshop space is set up to a high standard that reflects the RA Lates and the event’s theme.
  • Assisting workshop leaders with their activities; roles include assisting guests with the workshop activity and tidying up to ensure the workshop space is neat during the event.
  • Working with performance groups to lead audiences through spaces, responding quickly to queues as they build up.
  • Greeting guests as they arrive, directing them to different areas and responding to general enquiries.

RA Lates provide audiences with a new and exciting way to experience the Royal Academy and all that we have to offer. The events vary in theme, but each brings the world of the exhibition to life through a varied programme of performances, installations, activities and more. Past RA Lates themes have included ‘The 1898 Bal du Rat Mort’, ‘Manhattan Swing’ and most recently, ‘New Soviet World – The futuristic idealism of 1920s Soviet Russia’.

What is the time commitment?

For this role we’re asking for 6 hours per shift, from 5pm – 11pm.

Note a 30-minute break and light refreshments will be given during your shift.

Shifts are available approximately 9 times during the year.

We are asking for a minimum commitment of 6 shifts per year.

Please note that Lates always take place on a Saturday evening.

What will this volunteer opportunity offer you?

  • Gain work experience in delivering large-scale events
  • Work directly with artists, performers and actors on creative events and develop industry contacts.
  • Build confidence in interacting with members of the public
  • Develop problem solving skills and respond to issues as they arise
  • Make new friends and contacts
  • Experience the behind-the-scenes running of big events

Interview and training requirements

In order to be taken on for this role you must be available to attend a group recruitment sessionon Thursday 13th April (6.00pm – 7.30pm)andan induction session on Friday 21st April (6.00pm – 7.30pm).

Please note that the first shift will be taking place on the evening of Saturday 22nd April.

What are we looking for?

  • Creative and confident individuals
  • Proactive nature and ‘can do’ attitude
  • Enjoys going to Music and Arts Festivals, Immersive Theatre productions and Museum Lates, and interested in gaining experience in these areas.
  • Ability to think on your feet and problem solve within a busy environment.
  • Enjoys working creatively with artists, performers and actors
  • Interested in London’s cultural scene and keen to develop new skills

How can you get involved?

Please complete an Expression of Interest form, stating which role you are interested in, and send it through to by Friday 7th April 2017 at 5.00pm.

Or send via post to: Sarah Blome, Volunteer and Apprenticeships Assistant, Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD.

Please note: travel expenses will be reimbursed for this role at a maximum of £12 per day, proof of travel needed.