Posted on: Friday 7 June 2024
Volunteers have devoted more than 15,000 hours over the past year helping to run the borough’s cultural venues.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week, a UK-wide celebration that highlights the incredible impact volunteers make in communities.
Like Niamh O’Dobhain, 24, from Cwmbran, who has been volunteering at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre for nearly two years is an Exhibitions Volunteer.
She said: “Llantarnam Grange offers valuable experience in developing and gaining new skills to help me pursue a career in the arts.
“Through volunteering, I’ve gained experience assisting in curating and putting up exhibitions for the local community.
“It’s friendly and supportive environment has helped me to stay creative and maintain my art practice since graduating from university.”
Alice Bethune, Finance Director for Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre which has benefited from 450 volunteer hours, said: “From assisting during our exhibition changeover, cleaning our tables in the café, to maintaining our front garden, and so much more, our volunteers at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre help us bring together exhibitions, activities and numerous other events to our community and beyond.
“Our volunteers range from long term to short term, work experience students looking to further their career in the arts, to those looking to gain more confidence and be more involved with the community.
“We would like to thank all our volunteers, past and present for their time, effort and dedication; we are and always will be grateful.”
Volunteers have also been key to the running of the following venues:
Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall: A total of 2,500 volunteer hours has helped to maintain this historic venue.
Congress Theatre: Volunteers have generously given 5,705 hours to support cultural events and performances.
Torfaen Museum: Volunteers have invested 2,592 hours in preserving the region’s history and artifacts.
Volunteers with the Blaenavon Heritage Group have also dedicated approximately 4,200 hours to preserving and promoting local heritage.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at one of the venues, please contact them direct.
Alternatively, visit www.connecttorfaen.org.uk to find out any volunteering opportunities in your local area.