Volunteer story: Amy

"After having a five-year career break to raise my two children, I decided to pursue my dream of getting a degree in Art History. I have always loved spending time in museums and galleries and would love to work in curation after finishing my degree. My spare time is filled with drawing, reading, and the odd game of badminton!

I signed up to volunteer with Sheffield Museums in the winter of 2023, eager to gain work experience in a museum setting. I began by supporting school workshops at Graves Gallery and Millennium Gallery, which was interesting. The hands-on printing workshop is my favourite, as the children get really stuck in and enjoy sharing their ideas. It gets very messy!

In March 2024, I helped the Assistant Curator of Visual Art prepare for a redisplay in Graves Gallery. I researched artworks, drafted and proofread display labels, and assisted with the locating and condition checking of works. It was fantastic to then attend the reopening event, seeing the works installed properly and even getting to talk with some of the featured artists. The experience was invaluable, giving me an insight into my dream career. It was also a real treat to go behind-the-scenes at the museum, accessing the works on paper store and meeting some of the talented technicians that put the exhibitions together.

Everyone I have met at Sheffield Museums has been lovely, and it’s such a calming place to volunteer. Taking five years out of the working world and stepping into parenthood knocked my confidence a lot. My time at Sheffield Museums has given me more self-belief and equipped me with skills that have led me to being offered a job in the arts industry.

The monthly volunteer socials are a great opportunity to catch up with fellow volunteers and see what everyone has been up to. I feel appreciated for the work I do here, and I will be continuing to volunteer until I’ve finished studying – and probably after!"

Amy