Join CoCA's Exhibition Programming Group!
CoCA is programmed by a voluntary group of Waitaha-based art practitioners with expertise in contemporary art, visual art and arts education. The Programming Group is seeking expressions of interest from local artists / arts practitioners who are keen to be involved.
The Programming Group works collaboratively with Board members and staff to support CoCA’s exhibition programme. This is an active group that helps shape the vision of the gallery through selecting exhibitions (for projects in and out of the gallery); guiding public programmes; building partnerships with arts organisations and local tertiary arts providers; and starting new initiatives such as the Emerging Curator Programme.
Involvement in the CoCA Programming Group looks like:
- Supporting up to two exhibitions per year by working collaboratively with staff and exhibiting artists
- Attending four group meetings per year (every 3-months)
- Assessing applications made to CoCA’s annual Open Call for Proposals
- Advocating for local artists and supporting the gallery
Minimum 1-year commitment
Being part of the Programming Group is a great way to meaningfully contribute to the Ōtautahi arts community. You’ll be part of an energetic and committed group of people who are passionate about supporting artists and contemporary art through the programmes and exhibitions at CoCA
To apply, please send your expression of interest (i.e. a cover letter and 1-page resume) to proposals@coca.org.nz by Sunday 28 July.
Current CoCA Volunteers:
Deidre Rushton
Judith Knibb
Jenny Walker
Kay McKinnon
Jacqui Beever
Virginia Ferguson
George French
Denver Lyxnleg
Tory Swaney-Hanna
Herbert Stockman
Rata Jamieson
Ava Quingco
Polly Moffit
Elizabeth Seagle
Jackey Lu
Faith Kerris
Molly Campbell
Grace Zhou
Karyn Preistley
Alex Golding
Trisha Blik
Margarita Gallardo
Trinity Skudder
Zoe Harwood
Basma Abied
Claudia Du
Past CoCA Interns:
Uma Tuffnell - Industry Development Intern 2019
Jess Adlam - Public Programmes and Education Intern 2018
Eliza Sinead - Curatorial Intern 2018
Marlene Braach - Marketing Intern; 2018
Bojana Rimbovska - Curatorial Intern; Performance Series 2016-17 & Season 2 2017 - 2018
Bridget Harris - Curatorial Intern; Performance Series 2016-17 & Season 2 2017
Karin Bathgate - Curatorial Intern; David Shrigley Public Programming 2017
Lison Colin - Curatorial Intern; Season 2 2017
Alexandra Callaghan - Curatorial Intern; Season 2 2017
Eleyna Rider - Curatorial Intern; Season 2 2017
Lesley Fitzgerald - Curatorial Intern; Season 2 2017, Marketing Intern
Aisha Ah Mu - Curatorial Intern; Season 2 2017
Ater Belobeeva - Coordination Intern, Curatorial Intern Season 2 2017, Marketing Intern
Alex Olsen-Smith - Marketing Intern
Dee Clarke - Marketing Intern
Joanne Lee - Marketing Intern
Mariana Jacinta - Marketing Intern
Lucy Ovenden - Curatorial Intern; Precarious Nature 2016-17
Mikayla Hubert - Curatorial Intern; Precarious Nature 2016-17
Jason Huang - Curatorial Intern; Precarious Balance, and CoCA Relaunch 2015-16
Bryany Joslen - Curatorial Intern; Precarious Balance, and CoCA Relaunch 2015-16
Audrey Baldwin - Curatorial Intern; Precarious Balance, and CoCA Relaunch 2015-16
Aimee Shaw - Gallery Intern; Season 1 & 2, 2016
Rachael Paintin - Curatorial Intern; Public Programmes and Design, Seasons 2-4 2016
Indira Force - Curatorial Intern; Public Programmes, Season 3-4 2016-17
Anne Catherine Berrut-Marechaud - Marketing Intern, Season 3 2016
Image: Volunteers attending a talk by Anne Noble as part of exhibition training for Precarious Nature, 2016.
Interested in Volunteering at CoCA?
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers aged 16 and over to assist us at CoCA Toi Moroki. As a member of our team you'll be the friendly face greeting our visitors at reception and invigilating in the exhibitions. This includes front-of-house, meeting and greeting, administrative duties and fielding general enquiries, as well as keeping our art works and visitors safe while assisting guests with interactive aspects of the exhibitions. You don't need gallery experience or in-depth knowledge of art - however essential attributes are reliability, a willingness to learn, a love of art, proficient computer literacy and most importantly, strong communication skills.
Our cohort is hugely varied, from highschool students to retirees, from artists to accountants and scientists - we're a friendly bunch and welcome your unique perspectives. We also welcome those on working holiday visas - conversational English is required, but you're welcome to speak your language to our guests from your part of the world.
Ideally, we request that you initially commit to at least one half day shift per fortnight. CoCA is open Monday - Friday 10-5pm, Saturday and Sunday 10-3pm and most shifts are within these hours. We also need help for events such as exhibition openings and public programmes. Availability during school holidays is a bonus, but not essential. As the roles require some lifting, carrying and reaching you will need to be reasonably physically fit.
Benefits:
Hands-on experience working in a contemporary public art gallery Exhibition training with curators and artists in our exhibitions
Gain insight into behind the scenes at an art gallery
Make connections with like minded arts lovers and organisations You will also receive a comprehensive induction, seasonal exhibition briefings, and acknowledgment on our website.
Please email info@coca.org.nz with some information about yourself and why you would like to volunteer with us.
“Every day at CoCA was an opportunity to learn and be challenged. I have gained insight behind the processes of reopening a contemporary art gallery and making its first exhibition. Working with such a creative and dedicated team, I have witnessed the diversity and innovation that goes into making CoCA's programmes and future programmes as engaging and inspiring as they are and will be.”
– Jason Huang