Volunteer
Looking for a new volunteer opportunity? How about at The Bette?
At Frank Bette Center for the Arts, volunteers are an essential part of what we do. From gallery minding and exhibitions to events, marketing, fundraising, and community programs, volunteers help us support local artists and keep the arts thriving in Alameda.
Volunteering at FBCA is also a great way to meet creative, community-minded people and become part of a vibrant arts community.
Volunteer Positions
Gallery Minding
Gallery Minders are essential to keeping our gallery open and welcoming to the community on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Shifts are three hours long: 11 AM–2 PM or 2 PM–5 PM. Responsibilities include opening or closing the gallery, processing sales, greeting visitors, and helping create a warm and inviting atmosphere
For this role, we ask for a minimum commitment of three months and at least two shifts per month. If possible, we encourage volunteers to choose a regular day and time to help us maintain consistent coverage.
Fundraising
Fundraising Volunteers help support the gallery’s programs, exhibitions, and community events by assisting with fundraising efforts throughout the year. Opportunities may include helping with special events, donor outreach, sponsorships, raffles, membership drives, or creative fundraising projects.
This role is a great fit for people who enjoy connecting with others, organizing ideas, and supporting the arts in a meaningful way. Time commitments can vary depending on the project or event.
Event Planning
Event Planning Volunteers help shape and grow the gallery’s community programming by bringing new ideas to life. Volunteers in this role are encouraged to take initiative by proposing events, organizing workshops or classes, finding artists to lead demos or talks, coordinating community gatherings, and helping create engaging experiences that connect people through art. This role is ideal for creative, organized people who enjoy collaborating and making things happen.
Assist with Large Events
Save the date for the last week of July each year for the Plein Air Paintout — our biggest and most exciting event of the year! We need up to 40 volunteers to help make the week a success, with opportunities available throughout the event, as well as the week before and after. Help is needed with artist check-in, daily support throughout the painting week, hanging the final gallery show at the Bette after the event, and more.
Marketing
Marketing Volunteers help spread the word about gallery events, exhibitions, and programs. Ways to assist include:
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Sharing posts in local Facebook groups
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Adding events to community calendars
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Hanging flyers around town
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Assisting with social media and community outreach
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Helping with email newsletters and communications
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Assisting with website updates and other digital marketing efforts
Host a Regular Meetup or Gathering
We’re always looking for creative ways to bring people together through art and community. Volunteers in this role can propose and host casual gatherings such as “Come Paint With Me” sessions, open studio meetups, creative coworking nights, critique groups, or recurring community art hangouts. If you have an idea and can commit to being present at the gallery to help facilitate it, we’d love to hear your ideas.
Assist with show changes
Show change volunteers are needed every two months when our main gallery transitions to a new exhibit. Sign-up slots will be posted one to two weeks before each changeover. Volunteers help with stringing and hanging artwork, installing labels, arranging tabletops, and assisting at receptions.
Community Outreach
Community OutreachHelp us build connections throughout the community and grow participation in our programs and events. This may include reaching out to local organizations to recruit volunteers, connecting with colleges to find instructors or workshop leaders, and encouraging high school students and young artists to participate in events and exhibitions. Ideal for someone who enjoys networking, communication, and community building.