Sarah Halliday

What does your volunteering role look like at your organisation?

I began volunteering at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum when I undertook a work placement as the documentation, research and curatorial assistant. My role is primarily project-based and involves working with the Williamson’s collection of artworks by official war artist Albert Richards (1919-1945). I am responsible for documenting, cataloguing and researching the provenance of the collection. I have also had the opportunity to curate an online exhibition for Art UK.

Why do you volunteer?

The main reason I volunteer is to gain experience in the museum sector, particularly in collections management. This opportunity has allowed me to learn new skills and meet people with similar interests.

I also volunteer because I want to make a difference. Museums worldwide face backlogs of undocumented and undigitised collections due to funding cuts and pressures to keep up with evolving technology and public expectations. Volunteers play a vital role in rectifying this, helping to preserve material culture for future generations and make collections more accessible.

What benefits has this role provided for you?

Volunteering at the Williamson has helped me develop transferable and specialist skills that will be beneficial to my career, such as the use of collections management databases, cataloguing, archival research and curatorial skills. This role has also allowed me to make new friends and contacts in the sector. Volunteering has definitely improved my confidence, both in terms of networking and in my own professional ability.

What has made volunteering possible for you?

I began this volunteering role as part of my postgraduate course in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Manchester. The Williamson Art Gallery and Museum has facilitated this through offering a fantastic placement programme to support students in their early career development, providing the opportunity to gain practical experience through volunteering.

As a full-time student, the flexibility of volunteering has also made it possible for me to pursue a role that I am passionate about that fits around my schedule. I am able to volunteer outside my university and work hours, allowing me to gain valuable experience without compromising my other academic or professional responsibilities.

What advice would you give to those in the sector looking to volunteer?

I would suggest volunteering if you are new to the sector or want to expand your skill set. This is an easy way to build up practical experience, expertise and confidence – think of it as an investment in yourself and your career. If you are new to a city like I was, volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make new connections in the industry.

I would encourage anyone interested in volunteering to approach organisations speculatively, as this could open up unique opportunities for you that may not be openly advertised.

I would also say that it is important to understand your limits and value your time. Some roles may involve more commitment than others. Make sure that you are getting as much out of the experience as you are putting into it, whether that is practical skills to help you in your career, or satisfaction from knowing that you are making a difference.

Sarah Halliday is a documentation, research and curatorial assistant at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, and is completing her MA in Art Gallery and Museum Studies at the University of Manchester