Gallery seeks new curious guides

RESIDENTS with a love of learning and desire to serve their community are invited to express interest in becoming an Art Gallery of Ballarat guide.

Gallery director Louise Tegart said the job of a guide is to welcome visitors, provide them with an introduction to the institution, including when it opened and what its purpose is, and share tales about the space and the works within.

“Tours are free seven days a week. They’re not walking lectures, they’re a chance share interesting stories that you might not necessarily get from the labels next to works on the wall,” she said.

“There are opportunities for visitors to reflect on what they’re seeing and have a discussion. The most fantastic part of it is experiencing the passion of the guides.

“The guides find out a bit about the visitors, and can tailor tours to what they’re interested in.”

Gallery guides receive in-house training to understand works on display, the broader collection of historic and contemporary pieces, and records.

They need to be able to commit to the gallery twice a month, but can access guest speakers, and art-centric excursion opportunities for additional research and development.

Guides convenor Dinah Toohey is seeking at least 10 more people to volunteer their time to the organisation.

“The Gallery is such a beautiful place to work. It’s the best regional gallery in Australia and it’s a thrill to be a guide here,” she said.

“I enjoy the social aspect of being a guide. We’re quite a close-knit group.”

Prospective guides do not need to be an art expert, just to have an interest in art and history, a thirst for life-long learning, and willingness to educate individuals and groups.

“A great guide has an innate curiosity, a rapport with people, is somebody who is articulate, can synthesise information, and present it in an interesting, compelling way,” Ms Tegart said.

“Our guides come from a wide variety of backgrounds, they love the Gallery, love Ballarat, and are keen to give back to the community,” she said.

Applications close on Sunday, 5 June, and guides inducted will become an official City of Ballarat volunteer. Visit bit.ly/3MvDElA to apply.