Brighton Dome’s Historical Research Volunteer role – applications open again!

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Historical Research Volunteer – Brighton Dome and Festival

Role details

The Grade I listed Brighton Dome has a rich 200-year history. Built by Prince Regent as a stable block, our venue has transformed from a Victorian skating rink, to a WW1 military hospital, and is now a leading performing arts venue.

We are looking for volunteers to help us uncover some of the hidden histories of these iconic buildings. Your research will directly contribute to material that appears in the newly re-opened Corn Exchange and Studio theatre and in future exhibitions.

Research Volunteers will be looking at a number of stories including Regency Brighton, Brighton in the 1960’s when the first Brighton Festival began, and how the Dome and Corn Exchange relates to the history of Black and Minority Ethnic communities, from the thousands  of Indian Soldiers who were hospitalised here in WW1 to some of the iconic names in music, dance and theatre who have performed here including the Southern Syncopated Orchestra, Paul Robeson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Ella Fitzgerald, Maya Angelou, Carlos Acosta, Akram Khan, Stormzy, Beyonce and more.

What might you do as a Heritage Research Volunteer:

  • Look through existing Brighton Dome and Festival research including notes, documents and images, and pull together this material in one place.
  • Carry out independent research:
    • Online
    • at libraries
    • using books
    • using documents and images from the Royal Pavilion and Museums, and Brighton Dome and Festival
  • Work with specialist staff at Brighton Dome and Festival and at the Royal Pavilion and Museums
  • Visits to The Keep at Falmer, and the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum to look through their resources
  • Present your work to the public and to staff at Brighton Dome and Festival Open Days.

Person requirements and time commitment

What are we looking for?

  • We are committed to creating a workplace that welcomes and champions diversity. We encourage and warmly welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and all parts of the community, particularly people with disabilities and from ethnic minorities who are currently under-represented within our organisation. an Interest in Brighton, Brighton Dome, The Royal Pavilion Estate and/or Performance history
  • Ability to use basic computer programmes such as Word, Excel and internet search tools (ie Google) and/or a willingness to learn these skills
  • Reliable and trustworthy (volunteering times are flexible to enable volunteers to work around other commitments)
  • Aged over 18 (for insurance purposes)

Location, availability and time commitment

  • Volunteering location is flexible including home, libraries or community centres with internet access or in the Brighton Dome and Festival Administration Offices: 12a, Pavilion Buildings, Castle Square, Brighton, BN1 1EE
  • Occasionally volunteers may visit Brighton Jubilee Library, The Royal Pavilion and Museums and The Keep at Falmer. (Travel expenses will be reimbursed for trips outside the city centre up to £5 in agreement with the Volunteer Coordination Manager)
  • This opportunity is available immediately and has the potential to be ongoing
  • Suggested commitment: 1 – 2 hours per week but can be flexible. Hoping for a minimum of 2 – 3 months, but could be less or more depending on candidate
  • Brighton Dome Open Days and Events.

Training

Induction to include H&S, Customer Care, Diversity and Equality in relation to relevant activities. Discussion of purpose and activities of role ongoing as research project develops.


What will you get out of it?

  • Meet new people, build confidence
  • Learn research, computer and presentation skills
  • Gain or put to good use your skills and experience to uncover hidden stories, working with Brighton Dome and Festival and Royal Pavilion and Museum staff
  • Contribute to heritage and history material for the newly re-opened Brighton Dome and Corn Exchange and future exhibitions
  • Make new friends
  • Access to free and reduced price tickets for Brighton Dome and Festival shows (restrictions apply)
  • We are happy to provide references for our volunteers.

About the organisation

Brighton Dome and Festival is the premiere multi-arts venue on the south coast. We also produce Englands leading and most progressive mixed arts celebration – Brighton Festival, each May. Brighton Dome has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to renovate the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre and reunite the Royal Pavilion Estate. We are looking for volunteers to help us uncover the hidden histories of these iconic buildings and share these stories with the public.

How to apply and key recruitment dates

In the first instance, you must contact the University of Brighton’s Volunteering Service, Active Student, who will discuss the full application process with you. Application form and interview. Deadline to submit an application to the Dome is Monday 3 December 2018, so please ensure to contact Active Student at least three working days before this date to give you enough time to apply.

Find out more about Active Student, on our website here: www.brighton.ac.uk/careers/volunteering

Call us: 01273 644145

E-mail us: volunteering@brighton.ac.uk

 

(Image: Pexels)

artsbrighton domeCVemployability skillsheritageHistorical Research Volunteerhumanitiesmediaresearchwork experience

Kat Saunders • 23/11/2018


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