Volunteer or Intern

With year-round programming, special events, and large-scale art installations, Oregon Contemporary relies on our volunteer base to help make it all happen. Volunteers work alongside staff members at events and installations. Interns gain experience across many facets of the organization and work alongside Oregon Contemporary staff members, artists, and curators who act as valuable mentors. Interns may assist with exhibitions, installations, marketing and website, research, events, and more.

Volunteering

If you would like to add your name to our volunteer mailing list and find out about upcoming opportunities, please fill out this short form.

Docent / Front Desk Support

Wednesdays–Saturdays | 12–5 PM

Interested in volunteering? Sign up for a shift here!

Help us create a warm, welcoming experience for visitors while supporting our gallery during open hours. Docents and front desk volunteers help greet visitors, answer questions, and keep things running smoothly.

Volunteer responsibilities include:

  • Welcoming and engaging with visitors

  • Sharing information about the current exhibition

  • Answering questions about the gallery and artwork

  • Checking out shop purchases

  • Accepting donations

Sign up for one shift, or as many as you’d like! We especially appreciate volunteers who can commit to multiple shifts. This allows time for training and helps us build a knowledgeable, consistent, and welcoming experience for every visitor.

First Saturday Programming

First Saturday of each month | 4–8:30 PM

Help support special programming during our monthly open house events.

As with front desk support, volunteers who are able to commit to multiple shifts are greatly appreciated for training and consistency.

Event & Installation Support

Volunteer activities may include: Assisting with exhibition installation, light construction, wall preparation and painting, supporting artists and curatorial staff.

Interning

In order to provide a meaningful internship experience, we ask for a minimum time commitment of 15-20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks, including one day a week allotted to gallery docent duty (Fri–Sun, 12 pm–5 pm). Priority is given to those applying for school credit. Oregon Contemporary does not provide housing, travel, or monetary compensation for interns. To learn more and apply for an internship, please review the Oregon Contemporary Intern Job Description:

Oregon Contemporary Intern Job Description