Arts & Culture

Spiders engage at art nonprofits, galleries, and museums across our region. Learn more about our community relationships, then click the link to explore current opportunities with each organization. 

Arts & Culture organizations are also in need of one-time volunteers, and these opportunities are posted as they become available.

Community Relationships & Opportunities

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  • 1708 Gallery

    1708 Gallery is a dynamic contemporary art space in Richmond, known for its innovative exhibitions and programs that foster dialogue and engagement.

    Visit the 1708 Gallery website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.

  • Art 180
    ART 180 is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing art-related programs and experiences for young people in Richmond, empowering them to express themselves creatively and advocate for positive social change.

    Visit the ART 180 website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • Art for the Journey
    Art for the Journey is a community-focused organization that utilizes art as a means of therapeutic expression, offering workshops and sessions to individuals facing physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.

    Visit the Art for the Journey website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia
    The mission of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia (BHMVA) is to share, interpret, preserve, exhibit, and commemorate the rich history and culture of African Americans throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

    Please email info@blackhistorymuseum.org if you are interested in volunteering at the BHMVA.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • Library of Virginia
    The Library of Virginia serves as a repository of historical records and resources, preserving Virginia’s rich history and providing access to information for research and education.

    Visit the Library of Virginia website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • Richmond Symphony
    The Richmond Symphony is a renowned orchestra that contributes to the city’s cultural vibrancy through its captivating classical and contemporary performances, showcasing the talents of local and international musicians.

    Please email mleonard@richmondsymphony.com if you are interested in volunteering at the Richmond Symphony.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • Science Museum of Virginia
    The Science Museum of Virginia (SMV) engages visitors of all ages in hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

    Visit the SMV website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • The Valentine
    The Valentine is a museum dedicated to preserving and interpreting Richmond’s history, showcasing its diverse stories and artifacts that have shaped the city’s development over time.

    Visit the The Valentine website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • Virginia Holocaust Museum
    The Virginia Holocaust Museum preserves and documents the Holocaust in exhibits and its archival collections. Through the permanent exhibit, educational programming, and outreach, the museum employs the history of the Holocaust and other genocides to educate and inspire future generations of Virginians to fight prejudice and indifference.

    Please email kadams@vaholocaust.org if you are interested in volunteering at the Virginia Holocaust Museum.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
    The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is a premier art institution featuring an extensive collection of world-class art spanning various cultures and periods, and hosting exhibitions that inspire a broad range of artistic interests.

    Visit the VMFA website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • Virginia Museum of History & Culture
    The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) is dedicated to preserving and sharing the state’s rich history through exhibitions, artifacts, and educational programs, offering insights into Virginia’s cultural and social evolution.

    Visit the VMHC website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
  • Visual Arts Center of Richmond
    The Visual Arts Center of Richmond (VisArts) has helped adults and children explore their creativity and make art since 1963. 

    Visit the VisArts website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

    If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Student and Staff Liaisons

For more information about Arts & Culture opportunities, contact:

Emilia Hodal, ehodal@richmond.edu

Campus Connections

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  • University Museums

    University of Richmond Museums comprises the Joel and Lila Harnett Museum of Art, the Joel and Lila Harnett Print Study Center, and the Lora Robins Gallery. The museums regularly present exhibitions, lectures, openings, gallery talks, workshops, concerts, symposia, and other programs. Students also serve as visitor services and museum attendants.

  • Modlin Center for the Arts
    The Modlin Center for the Arts showcases a breadth of diverse multi-disciplinary performing arts from around the globe each season. The Modlin Center welcomes enthusiastic student volunteers who give their time and talent in support of the rich and varied performances and events happening in our venues.
  • Art Club
    Art Club is a community of art appreciation (so don’t worry if you’re not that good at art!). The club goes downtown for RVA First Fridays gallery walks each month and attends local exhibitions per request. In addition, the group hosts 2-3 workshops per semester to share skills and techniques for those interested, paints a mural for UR’s homecoming, and and hosts a silent art auction for local charity.
  • University Players
    The University Players is a student theater group on campus that produces student-designed, directed and performed productions; works with the department of theater and dance to educate its members; sponsors student theater around campus; enriches student life with opportunities to participate in and view the arts; provides leadership opportunities; cultivates professional skills; participates in community service; and offers opportunities for artistic students to bond and socialize.

Relevant Courses

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  • MUS/THTR 310 Managing Performing Arts Organizations
    For those interested in managing and leading a performing arts organization, this course is a review of topics essential for successful management of a performing arts organization. Includes nonprofit and alternative organizational structure, organizational development and structure-- (management, board of directors, and staffing) , leadership and management styles, budget development and fiscal management, strategic planning, marketing and audience development, legals issues, and other related topics. 
  • ART/MUS/THTR 345 Philanthropy in the Arts
    Survey of strategies, tools and techniques involved in generating contributed income for arts organizations from private individuals, foundations, corporations, business, and government agencies. Central issues include underlying psychological and practical bases of fundraising in the arts and exposure to research and methods involved in developing donor prospects. Fundraising techniques, including direct mail, telemarketing, grant writing, personal appeals, major gift solicitation, special events, capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, sponsorships, and planned giving.
  • ART 322 Seminar in Museum Studies
    History, philosophy, functions and future of museums; collection research, evaluation, publications, and museum procedures and education.