Volunteer Opportunities in Atlanta’s Arts Scene

When was the last time you volunteered for something that was just for you and had nothing to do with PTA or your kids’ extracurricular activities? For me, this has been delving into the arts. While I have found my niche in street art and graffiti, there is a cornucopia of artistic experiences you can explore as a volunteer in Atlanta.

Art

• Atlanta Contemporary – This opportunity is cool because, with training, you can help set up exhibits! You can also serve during events, photograph the art and engage with patrons at the Welcome Desk.
• Atlanta Photography Group – As you accrue volunteer hours here, you earn points for free memberships and tickets, and a listing on their website. Ways to serve include gallery sitting, exhibition installation, photographing and videoing events.
• The BeltLine – One of my favorite places to enjoy street art and graffiti. Fill out this form to sign up for BeltLine clean-ups, race series and program volunteering, photography/videography, greeter, and tour guide/ambassador.
• Spruill Center for the Arts – I am biased about Spruill because it is where I started taking art classes, which led to my inspirational journey with Exploring Atlanta Street Art. Here you can help with camps, events, and more.

Dance

• Atlanta Ballet – Seasonal help is needed in the areas of development, marketing, production, education, and special events.
• Dance ATL – There are some interesting opportunities here, including assisting with research and oral storytelling on the history of Atlanta dance, facilitating community engagement, developing educational opportunities, and writing about local artists and professionals.
• Moving in the Spirit – It wasn’t hard to find this group – you can see their building from my daughter’s apartment balcony.  Their goal is to help students develop life/leadership skills through performance, led by dance professionals trained in counseling, movement therapy, and more.  Their work is centered on themes of social justice and tolerance.

Helping Others

• Artportunity Knocks – With over 100,000 children served, this organization provides experiences in the arts, education and community service for the underprivileged population in Georgia. As a volunteer, you can work at their summer camp, after-school programs, workshops, Peace of Art performances, and outreach.
• Arts InCommunity – Since 1974, they have provided individuals with diverse abilities access to arts experiences in Atlanta. To learn how you can support their efforts, contact [email protected].
• drawchange – Help children ages 5-10 years old who are experiencing homelessness, are refugees/asylum-seekers, or are at risk, receive empowering arts education. Consider running a program with the drawchange Blueprint, working at homeless shelters, or doing administrative tasks.
• Paint Love – Lead a project, assist an artist, and encourage students while they create, or work on an event. The youth served here are led through projects in order to engage in conversations guided by trauma-informed standards.
• Reforming Arts – Share in their unique set of programs for women who are incarcerated to both earn a certificate program in theatre-infused liberal arts and to also write and produce original plays about their experiences reentering society.

Museums

• Children’s Connect Museum – Creative play, drop-in crafts, stem hours – there is something for all ages here. You can design your own workshop, help with individual events, and more.
• Hammonds House Museum – This museum’s mission is to promote the work of visual artists of African descent. Sign up to help with daily tasks, welcoming guests, leading visitors through exhibitions, archiving and assisting with special events.
• The High Museum of Art – There is a time commitment to volunteering at The High, but there are some great perks, like volunteer-only events and enjoying art of all genres, and even some music, for free.
• Museum of Design (MODA) – They feature just one exhibition at a time, and promise perks when you commit to a year as a docent.  It’s a unique place where you can view exhibits that are “outside the box” and be inspired by their community collaborations.

Music

• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra – In addition to ushering, you can become an ASO Associate, and support their programs through volunteerism, community-building, educational efforts and fundraising.
• Pianos for Peace – With an aim to provide music education, healing arts, and build cultural bridges, Pianos for Peace offers opportunities to design and paint pianos for their annual festival, play at hospitals and nursing homes, and volunteer at schools.
• Rialto Center for the Arts – Team up with The Rialto to be an usher or an ambassador for this venue featuring national and international jazz, world music, and dance.
• Spivey Hall – The centerpiece of Spivey Hall is their glorious organ. If you are a lover of classical and unique genres of music, become an usher today!

Theatre/Film

• Atlanta Film Society – From being an audience member to serving on a festival crew to assisting visiting filmmakers, and posting marketing materials around Atlanta, you have a wealth of options.
• Atlanta Shakespeare Tavern – There is no time commitment here – sign up as your time permits. You’ll help patrons get their meals, serve drinks, bus tables, and assist the House Manager. Perks include free drinks, discounts on dinner, and souvenirs.
• Out Front Theatre Company – If you have sewing or carpentry skills, this is the place for you!  Ushering is always an option as well, where you can enjoy fun, inclusive performances in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Out of Hand Theater – Ever wanted to host a show in your living room? How about having community members over for dinner? You can with Out of Hand! Home shows center around the topic of racial justice and include a presentation and audience conversation. Equitable dinners focus on race and equity.

Do you know of other volunteer opportunities with the arts in Atlanta? Let us know in the comments.