Art Engager

In 2025, Witley Court and Gardens will welcome a new temporary art installation 'Fountain / 1937' made by local artist Keith Harrison. We are looking for volunteers to bring this experience to life for our many visitors, helping them to explore the art and answer any questions. This is a great opportunity for someone with an interest in the arts or who would like to gain experience of a large scale event set-up.

What will I be doing?

• You will assist our visitors by helping them to understand the context of the art installation, to learn about the artist, and to help them to interact with the artwork
• You will engage in conversation with our visitors to prompt discussion about the specific artwork, it's relevance to the site and provide, when required, further information about commission contemporary art in historic and heritage settings
• You will help visitors understand the work's historic significance to site
• Engagers will also answer visitor's questions about the site and its landscape

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

• To be friendly and welcoming
• Are happy to learn about the site and the artwork
• Have a passion for historic/heritage sites and/or the arts
• Are reliable and like working as part of a larger team
• Are enthusiastic about making the art installation a memorable experience for all who visit it
• Are confident to start conversations and talk with a wide range of people
• Support and encourage people to interact with the artwork and to encourage visitors to record their response to the arts work and any memories the installations conjure up
• Undertake practical activities - tidy and clean elements of the installation
• Report any concerns and general wear-and-tear

What support and training will I receive?

Full training and support will be provided to help you settle into your role, you will receive;

• A site and role induction with your dedicated Volunteer Manager
• Information and further understanding on the artwork and artist
• All relevant health & safety training

What will English Heritage expect from me?

• To be the friendly face of English Heritage and deliver excellent customer service
• To be reliable in attendance and dependable
• Help us maintain the highest standards of presentation at our sites and properties
• To wear English Heritage volunteer uniform where provided
• Help us protect our properties and collections by understanding and following our security and safety procedures
• Maintain good working relationships with staff, other volunteers and members of the public
• Attend appropriate training and learn about the work of English Heritage
• Observe organisational policy and procedures
• Safeguard confidential information about English Heritage and let us know about anything relating to your role or the work of English Heritage that you think might be controversial
• Any documentary or other material (including any copyright applying thereto) you are provided with or created by you in respect of your volunteering will be the property and copyright of English Heritage (unless otherwise agreed in writing).

What can I expect from English Heritage?

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience
• To be treated fairly and with respect
• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution
• A full induction and training programme with on-going support
• Reimbursement of reasonable local travel costs between home and volunteering location within agreed limits
• A certificate to demonstrate work carried out for English Heritage is available on request to show future employers or further education providers
• You will be covered by English Heritage's own indemnity arrangements in respect of all liabilities that may result from your appointment as a volunteer