Volunteer

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Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the McMichael. Please note that the McMichael Volunteer Committee (MVC) and McMichael Youth Team (MYT) are not currently accepting volunteer applications or adding new members at this time.

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The McMichael
Volunteer Committee

The McMichael Volunteer Committee (MVC) was founded in 1985. It comprises of a dedicated team of McMichael members from all walks of life who share a passion for the arts and are committed to volunteerism. McMichael volunteers play an invaluable role in the gallery — whether they are interacting with visitors, supporting events or fundraising. In addition to contributing their time, as of April 2024, the MVC has contributed more than $790,000 through fundraising to the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. These funds have supported the VOICES program, the free Sunday Music program, the Bench Project, and also contributed $50,000 towards the gallery’s Canada 150 celebrations.

*Please note that the MVC is not currently accepting new applications*

Joining the McMichael Volunteer Committee is a rewarding way for you to:

  • Meet passionate and like-minded people
  • Learn more about the McMichael, the home to the art of Canada
  • Contribute to the community
  • Develop skills and interests
  • Participate in exciting excursions to other museums, galleries and more

Volunteer help is required mostly on weekends. General volunteers must commit a minimum of 25 hours per year. General meetings are held once a month on a Thursday morning from September to June. Docent volunteers follow different guidelines (see below).

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2025 Autumn Art Sale
Fundraiser

Please note that the Autumn Art Sale is on hiatus for 2026.

The 31st Autumn Art Sale, showcasing 47 juried artists, took place in the McMichael’s Grand Hall from November 7th to 9th, 2025.

The excitement from the artists, art collectors, art communities and the volunteers who put on this annual fundraiser created a positive and exciting buzz leading up to and during the sale weekend.

Despite the challenges presented by the unpredictable weather, the fundraiser raised more than $30,000 in support of the McMichael’s educational children’s programs, residency programs, exhibitions and more.

Congratulations
Top Ten Selling Artists

Chazz Balkwill Laura Stevens
Danny Perkins Roslyn Levin
Doris Pontieri Andrew Bonnycastle
John Shea Veronica Meloche
David Lidbetter Michele Rose

The McMichael Volunteer Committee is grateful to all the artists that participated.

Become
a Docent

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s docents are a dedicated team of volunteers passionate about introducing both children and adults to the art of Canada, as well as the country’s rich artistic and cultural history.

Docent Roles and Responsibilities

Docents lead interactive tours of exhibitions and the permanent collection for student and adult groups. A docent may opt to lead programs for students, adults or both.

Generally, school program docents conduct themed tours for school groups from September to June, excluding holidays. These tours are highly interactive and include hands-on activities. School program docents are also involved in facilitating studio programs. They commit to one day a week of active service during the school year. Docents are also required to attend training sessions every third Monday of the month from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Gallery tours docents are responsible for providing tours of the collection to McMichael visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, and for conducting private tours and tours for special interest groups as required. They are required to commit to a minimum of two days a month and 75 service hours annually. Gallery tour docents are expected to attend monthly training sessions held between September and June on every third Saturday from 10:00 am. to 12:30 pm.

How Docents Are Trained

New docents, also referred to as provisional docents, must attend a number of docent training sessions. During these meetings they will be introduced to the McMichael’s permanent collection and learn basic guiding techniques.

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McMichael
Youth Team (MYT)

Discover new adventures, create new memories, and earn your community service hours in a unique community-focused setting that combines art and 100 acres of conservation land.

*Please note that the MYT is not currently accepting new applications.*

MYT members must perform a minimum of 12.5 hours of volunteer service in their first year. Volunteers for the McMichael Artventure March Break and Summer Camps are required to be members of the MYT.