Gallery Assistant

Urban Art Central is FLARE’s volunteer and artist-led gallery and shop in central Christchurch. We showcase original artworks, prints, merchandise, sculptures, books and zines from local urban and street artists. The gallery gives artists an accessible place to exhibit and sell their work while creating a welcoming space for the public to discover Christchurch’s urban art community.

Gallery Assistants help keep the space open and running. This is generally a solo role, so volunteers need to be comfortable working independently after completing an induction.

Key duties include:

• Opening or closing the gallery
• Welcoming visitors and creating a friendly, inclusive environment
• Sharing general information about FLARE, the gallery and its artists
• Processing cash and EFTPOS sales
• Recording sales accurately
• Keeping a tally of visitor numbers
• Checking artist price lists when needed
• Keeping the gallery tidy and presentable
• Monitoring the space and following safety procedures
• Contacting the FLARE team if support is needed
• Completing end-of-shift reporting and handover tasks
• At closing, counting and recording cash, securing the gallery and charging the gallery devices

No previous gallery, retail or arts experience is required. We are looking for someone who is friendly, honest, reliable and comfortable speaking with the public. Volunteers need to follow straightforward procedures, handle sales responsibly and communicate early if they cannot attend an agreed shift. Basic confidence using a mobile phone and EFTPOS machine is helpful. An interest in art, street art or supporting local artists would be a bonus.

Volunteers receive an in-person induction, a written FLARE Shift Guide and ongoing support through our volunteer group chat and a designated FLARE contact.

This role is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in gallery operations, customer service, arts administration and retail. Volunteers can meet and support local artists, learn more about Christchurch’s street art scene and become involved in future FLARE festivals, murals and creative events.

By volunteering, you will help keep an independent artist-led space open to the public, support local artists to exhibit and sell their work, and make urban art more accessible to the wider community.