Get involved!

Volunteering Culture MCR is the online hub for cultural
volunteer opportunities across Greater Manchester.

Illustration

What’s it all about?

Volunteering Culture MCR is the online hub for cultural volunteer
opportunities across Greater Manchester.

We have a rich and vibrant cultural scene; from Museums and Art galleries, to world class festivals and smaller venues which offer insight into our heritage. All of these different organisations have a shared commitment to the wonderful teams of volunteers who bring passion and dedication to our venues and help us achieve our vision.

  • Do what you love

    There really is something for everyone; from volunteering with objects, to supporting one off events, cataloguing collections to shaping our programmes. We offer volunteering, support through training and progression in some of the most inspiring spaces around.

  • Join our community

    Anyone can apply to join our diverse volunteer teams to make a difference, have fun, meet new people and develop skills along the way. Register your interest in a volunteer opportunity and someone will contact you to discuss next steps. We look forward to meeting you and supporting your volunteering journey!

  • Make a difference

    Volunteering Culture is driven by staff and dedicated volunteers who add significant value to cultural organisations across the city. Supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Volunteer Centre Manchester, we want to promote volunteering widely making it accessible to all.

Heritage volunteering
opportunities

Manchester has a rich and vibrant cultural scene, from leading Museums and Art galleries, to world class festivals and smaller venues which offer insight into our local heritage.

get involved in an
exciting environment

We bring together volunteer opportunities from organisations around the city. There really is something for everyone, from cataloguing collections to shaping our programmes. We offer volunteering, training and progression in some of the cities most inspiring spaces.

Our partners

We’re partnered with some of the most prestigious
cultural venues in Manchester

Supported by

  • “I have met some wonderful people whilst volunteering, both on the volunteer team and members of the public”

    Joseph M • Visitor Engagement Volunteer
  • “The thing I like the most about volunteering here at the Hall is the community ethos”

    John and Shirley Jackson • Stretford Public Hall Volunteer
  • “Stretford Public Hall is a local community venue which I have always wanted to see being used by local people. I enjoy volunteering here because I am proud of the building, I want to promote it and I want people of all ages to benefit positively from it.”

    Melanie Kettle • Stretford Public Hall Volunteer
  • “Now that I’m retired I have the time to dedicate to volunteering at Stretford Public Hall. I volunteer on the events team as I want to see the building used for events and activities for locals. I enjoy volunteering as it has allowed me to meet new people and socialise whilst keeping the building running as a community venue.”

    Christine Ovens • Stretford Public Hall Volunteer
  • “Manchester Museum reflects the personal experiences of many light-hearted individual people brought together in a unique volunteer team”

    Margaret • Manchester Museum Volunteer
  • “From my childhood it was my dream to work in a  big gallery.
    When I came to Manchester I was alone and I didn’t know
    about anything, so when I came here and met with staff at the
    gallery. They encouraged me to involve myself and volunteer
    at the gallery and it was my dream to work with art.  The
    conversations in the gallery have helped me outside the gallery,
    I feel more confident and there is less of a barrier with people
    I meet in shops or the streets.   I have also developed my art, it
    has inspired me to paint again. I used to create things on a daily
    basis. I always create in my mind and then try to apply it. The
    gallery has helped me to get back into making, it has boosted
    me and I can’t hide my art any more! Every time I come to the
    gallery it makes me think I can do it.”

    Lubna • Stories we Share volunteer at Manchester Art Gallery
  • “I feel I have a place and purpose that connects me
    to the outside world. Volunteering gives me a great
    deal of pleasure and I feel I can find a way to contribute
    to society in a positive way, which also influences my
    creativity so it’s a continuing cycle. The Whitworth has
    been a very influential part of my life as an artist and my
    love for this gallery grows every time I step into the grounds.”

    Julie • the Whitworth Volunteer - The Art of Volunteering
  • “If you have a passion for talking about interesting places
    and history and like to meet new people then Chetham’s
    Library offers a wonderful opportunity.”

    Volunteering at Chetham’s Library
  • “The library is a gorgeous, energising space. I love the smell and the light. It seems to capture visitors’ imaginations as much as it does mine.“

    Erica • Chetham's Library Volunteer
  • “It was a truly amazing experience! The women we spoke to were inspirational and a pleasure to speak with. They made our trip to the centre a truly memorable one”

    Museum Visitor • Pankhurst Trust, May 2019
  • “I’ve made so many new friends since I started volunteering, I’ve also feel much more confident now, before I was really shy!”

    Jacob • IWM North Volunteer
  • “Volunteering at the Whitworth has made me a lot happier, given me purpose. I feel like a part of society once more, and making a positive difference in other people’s lives”

    GROW Volunteer • the Whitworth Volunteer
  • “My volunteering role exceeded my expectations. I initially volunteered as a play worker, then at the women’s drop-in. Everyone is really nice and welcoming, the atmosphere at the women’s drop-in and play sessions was very friendly. The extra opportunities such as training and other roles provided for volunteers is really good.”

    Play Work Volunteer • The Pankhurst Trust Volunteer

Current opportunities

We’ve partnered with some of the most prestigious cultural venues in Manchester.

  • Welcome Desk Volunteer

      Who we are: Our Manifesto and our Values are at the heart of everything we do. They are our anchor and our compass. We use them to make decisions, Read more…

  • Museum Cafe Volunteer

      Who we are: Our Manifesto and our Values are at the heart of everything we do. They are our anchor and our compass. We use them to make decisions, Read more…

  • Spotlight Talks Volunteer

      Who we are:  The Science and Industry Museum is devoted to inspiring our visitors through ideas that change the world, from the Industrial Revolution to today and beyond. It's Read more…

  • Manchester Jewish Museum Volunteers

    Manchester Jewish Museum are recruiting for new volunteers!Do you want to be part of a brand new museum? Do you want to help bring people together and share Jewish stories Read more…

  • Reading Nature’s Library

    Help Manchester Museum discover the treasures in its collection and help us unlock this information and release our collection’s potential. This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer from home with Read more…