Quay Arts is on the lookout for new members to join their Board of Trustees.
One of their current Board members, Kim Purton, shares this insight into what people can gain from being part of the Quay Arts family.
Over three years ago, enthused at seeing an exciting 3D online exhibition (Lisa Traxler and Jeannie Driver’s Dazzle + Disrupt) at the Quay Arts during lockdown and starved for a bit of culture, I greedily scanned the whole website.
Whilst I flicked from page to page, I happened upon an advert regarding governance and was overjoyed after an interview and (virtual) board meeting that I was taken on as a trustee, a voluntary custodianship for one of my favourite places and the main centre for creativity on the Island – I was delighted.
A rewarding experience
Fast forward three years later and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of such an awesome and creative team. Not only is it rewarding serving and connecting with the community, it is also really good for me.
Volunteering, in whatever capacity, provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. It can help counterbalance the effects of stress and anxiety, combat depression and contribute to your overall happiness and wellbeing. It is also a great way to build new relationships, learn new skills and get involved with your local community.
Many ways to help out
There are so many ways to volunteer and help out, I chose serving as a trustee as my way. Passionate about the arts, I wanted to help and support the charity with everything I could, from strategic decision-making through to providing support to the excellent management team and everything in between.
I run a design manufacturing company with my partner and felt that governance would be a great way to utilise my abilities and support the brilliant work carried out at the Quay.
Developing skills
It is also a great way to develop your own skills, particularly board-related skills, such as leadership, financial awareness, business management and fundraising, plus a whole heap more. If you have had experience in any of these areas or want to learn, a trusteeship could be a great path for you.
Post-pandemic, many charities are facing new and difficult challenges, especially with the cost-of-living crisis, which means that board members, now more than ever, can make a real impact in shaping and sustaining a charity’s future.
Personally, I have learnt so much in my tenure as a trustee and looking forward to what the future holds for the Quay and for the Island.
Come and say hello
The Quay Arts is recruiting again for trustees and I urge anyone who feels they could offer something to our board to please get in touch.
We will be at the Arts and Heritage Volunteer Fair on 14th April at Havenstreet Steam Railway and we would love you to come and say hello.
