A group of MacLaren Art Centre volunteers outside on the Gallery's courtyard patio

OMAH LOVES ITS VOLUNTEERS!

When you become a volunteer at OMAH, you become a valued member of a unique community dedicated to fostering a love for culture and our local heritage. In addition to the rewarding experience of collaborating with a dedicated team of staff and fellow volunteers in a dynamic environment, there are numerous benefits to volunteering at OMAH:

  • Comprehensive orientation and training for all volunteer positions, both on-the-job and through engaging workshops.
  • Skill development opportunities that enhance your employment-related capabilities.
  • Exclusive discounts on purchases at the OMAH Shop.
  • Personalized letters of reference and records of volunteer hours to support your professional endeavors.

Please note that vulnerable sector screening checks are a mandatory requirement.

Explore the diverse volunteer opportunities listed below and take the next step by completing the Volunteer Application Form.

Check out the different volunteer opportunities below and then fill out the Volunteer Application Form.  

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EXHIBITION INSTALLATION AND STRIKE

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with Exhibition Installation:
    • Undertake tasks such as painting, creating mounts, carpentry work, installing artifacts and art pieces, managing lighting, and handling administrative responsibilities.
  • Assist with Exhibition Take Down:
    • Responsibilities may involve patching and painting walls, removing artifacts, and handling administrative tasks.
  • Requirements:
    • Physcial work, lifting, standing, measuring, painting, hanging art or placing objects
    • Volunteers should be at ease working on step stools and some ladders

Reporting to:

  • Arts Coordinator

Commitment:

  • Occasional with dates provided up to one year in advance
VISITOR EXPERIENCES/GALLERY GREETER

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Welcome Visitors:
    • Extend a warm welcome to all visitors entering OMAH.
  • Inform Visitors about Exhibitions and OMAH Programs:
    • Provide information to visitors regarding ongoing exhibitions and OMAH programs, including details about membership and educational offerings.
  • Basic Administrative Duties:
    • Assist with fundamental administrative tasks as required including room organization, file organization and naming

Requirements:

  • Must have experience and be comfortable working independently
  • Must be confident using computer applications

Reporting to:

  • The Operations Coordinator

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assist with Setup, Greeting, and Registration:
    • Play a key role in the preparation, welcoming, and registration processes for events.
    • Must be able to stand for long periods of time
    • Must be able to move tables and chairs
  • Food and Beverage Service:
    • Provide support in food and beverage service. While Smart Serve certification is not mandatory, possessing it is an asset.
    • Bartender: SmartServe certification required, with additional duties including cleaning up the bar, clear glasses, assist with cleaning as per Simcoe Muskoa District Health Unit guidelines
  • Event Planning:
    • Contribute to the planning and coordination of events, ensuring their smooth execution.
    • Host birthday parties
    • Assist with decorations and room set-up

These responsibilities are crucial for creating a positive and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Requirements: 

  • Must have a current VSC for hosting birthday parties
  • Must be able to stand, move tables and chairs, and blow up balloons
  • Must be able to work independently

Reporting to: The Operations Coordinator

FUNDRAISING

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Campaigning:
    • Play a key role in the fundraising and development of OMAH. 
    • Must be able to follow a script, either offsite or in-person 

Commitment: Occasional

Reporting to: The Operations Coordinator

COMMUNICATIONS

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Writing and Research:
    • Must be comfortable in navigating PastPerfect
    • Can be done off-site or in-person
    • Must be comfortable with computer applications
    • Must be comfortable working independently

Commitment: Occasional

Reporting to: The History Coordinator

STUDIO ASSISTANT

Duties and responsibilities:

  • Greet families, children and students
  • Assist instructor with setup and striking of studio materials
  • Assist students (children) with art-making 
  • Supervise children indoors and outdoors
  • Organize activities for break times

Reporting to: Programming team

 

YOUTH COUNCIL

Embark on an exciting adventure by joining the Orillia Museum’s Youth Council! Unleash your creativity, delve into the realms of art, history, and culture. Become an explorer as you contribute to the development of engaging programs and events tailored for your peers, making a lasting impact on our community.

Ignite your imagination and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share your passion. Shape the future of our museum and beyond. As a member, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits, including behind-the-scenes access, participation in council-exclusive activities, and the opportunity to accumulate community service hours.

Empower your voice — your opinions matter! Join us on this unique journey, where your creativity, enthusiasm, and ideas will play a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of Orillia. Be a part of something extraordinary!

CRAFTING & CREATING

At OMAH, a significant portion of our branded merchandise is crafted in-house, thanks to the creativity and dedication of our museum volunteers. The design process is facilitated using a specialized material cutter known as a Cricut. Notable examples of merchandise crafted with the Cricut include vibrant summer camp t-shirts, stylish tote bags, and charming aprons.

Working with the Cricut is an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. We encourage our volunteers to familiarize themselves with this cutting-edge machine by creating a personalized memento for themselves. It’s not just about creating merchandise; it’s about fostering a sense of artistic exploration and self-expression.

Join us in the exciting journey of crafting unique and meaningful items that reflect the spirit of OMAH. Discover the joy of bringing your creative visions to life with the Cricut, and let your imagination flourish!

OMAH COMMITTEES

OMAH has a number of committees that contribute to the overall operation of our organization.  Click here to learn about each committee and their function within the OMAH community.

EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assisting Instructor and Students as Required:
    • Occasional commitment
    • Must have a current VSC
    • Must be able to stand for long periods of time

    Reporting to: The Operations Coordinator

    Address

    30 Peter Street South
    Orillia, ON L3V5A9
    +1 (705) 326-2159

    HOURS:

    TUESDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

    WEDNESDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

    THURSDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

    FRIDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

    SATURDAY: 11 AM - 4 PM

    SUNDAY: CLOSED

    MONDAY: CLOSED

    Upcoming Events

    Land Acknowledgement

    The Orillia Museum of Art & History is located on the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We respect and observe the long and enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples – First Nations, Metis and Inuit – on this land. Their teachings and stewardship, culture and way of life have shaped our City’s unique identity.

    In acknowledging that we occupy colonized Indigenous territories, and out of respect for the rights of Indigenous people, we accept our collective responsibility to recognize our colonial histories as well as their present-day manifestations in order to honour, protect, and sustain this land.