Volunteer of the Week is Roberta Hook! We asked Roberta about her experience as a volunteer with Project Ability:
Are you a graduate or undergraduate artist? Can you tell us what course you are on, or a little about your art practice?
I am graduate of art history and studied a Master’s in Contemporary Art and Art Theory. I have since been more interested in practical aspects surrounding art practice such as installation and art handling, and am currently training as a framer.
In what workshop do you volunteer?
I’ve been volunteering with the Thursday afternoon Aspire group – it’s quite a large group so I’m really happy that I could continue the second block of workshops to get to know everyone better.
Why did you apply to volunteer at Project Ability?
I’d previously volunteered at a much smaller arts enterprise with a similar outlook to Project Ability called Arthouse Unlimited in Surrey. I had heard about Project Ability before moving to Glasgow and was keen to see if I could become a volunteer. I’ve always been interested in what art can do for people away from academic institutions and have discovered several spaces like Project Ability which conquer the traditional narrative of art practice and education by providing the space and facilities that give access to everyone.
Did your experience live up to your expectations?
And more! The Project Ability community is so friendly and encouraging, whether it’s been a busy or quiet session, if I’ve been able to help a lot or just go around and see what everyone’s up to, I always leave feeling elated. The environment seems to foster really diverse artistic styles and use of media with everyone working side by side and supporting each other which I think is unique.
What have you learned from your experience with us?
I’ve learnt about the different projects and practices of the artists in the Thursday afternoon Aspire workshop, who is happy to get on with their own thing and who is up for a bit of help. I’ve also learnt how to use the printing press.
I’ve learnt what can be achieved in two hours! I have learnt that I’d love to pursue further work supporting visual arts organisations like Project Ability.
Do you have a favourite Project Ability artist or art work that has stood out for you?
I couldn’t say I had a favourite but before Easter I worked most closely with Mhairi, particularly on the zine she made for the CCA zine fair. I feel like we hit it off from the first session when I was introduced to everyone. She’s been very encouraging and reassuring letting me know I’m not unhelpful when there’s not been a lot to do. She’s so sociable with the other artists and shows a wonderful enthusiasm for their work. It’s been great to get to know her and I hope to continue to provide support for whatever project she has in mind next!
Would you recommend others to volunteer with us?
I would definitely recommend others to volunteer with Project Ability, particularly those studying art or with an interest in crafts. I’ve often struggled with how art can be useful, what it does for people who haven’t directly studied it or are part of the academic sector, and Project Ability successfully disrupts traditional arts education, creating an arts community for anyone and providing the space and facilities for arts education and growth for individuals of any ability. The demand for spaces like this is evident from how popular the workshops are. I’d also say to new volunteers that although I thought I wasn’t making a difference initially I was pleased to learn from the tutors that just by taking a bit more time with one artist I was helping with their focus.
Any other comments?
I want to say thank you to Project Ability, particularly Tracy for the opportunity to volunteer and the artists for allowing me to be nosy and lurk about the workshop while they work away!
Interested in Volunteering with us? Find out more here!
