Exhibition Celebration at Graves Gallery 🖼️

I volunteered at this celebration event at Graves Gallery, which was my first evening event. My role involved invigilating the collections, ensuring that artworks and displays were kept safe from harm, while also welcoming and engaging with guests. Throughout the evening, I answered visitor questions and supported the smooth running of the celebration.

During the session, I also raised an accessibility concern about the organisation of the text label booklets available in the gallery. A visitor asked for my help in finding the description of an object within a display case, as he needed to use the large-print version. When I looked through the booklet, I noticed that it primarily listed the wall-mounted artworks, with no clear reference to the display cases. After checking both of the smaller text guides and the large-print version, I eventually found the display case descriptions tucked away at the back of the booklet. The inconsistent layout made navigation difficult for both of us, so I shared this feedback with a staff member, highlighting how clearer structure and signposting could improve accessibility for visitors.

Skills Developed:

• 👋 Visitor Engagement – Welcomed guests, answered questions, and built confidence engaging diverse audiences.

• 🏺 Collections Care – Monitored artworks and displays to ensure safety and preservation during a busy event.

• 🎟️ Event Support – Adapted to my first evening volunteering shift, supporting logistics and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.

Supporting the Exhibition Celebration at Graves Gallery gave me invaluable insight into the dual responsibility of protecting artworks while creating an engaging visitor experience. This experience not only deepened my appreciation for the vigilance required in collections care, but also affirmed my ambition to contribute to the preservation and accessibility of cultural heritage.

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