Volunteer Testimony: Declan Collony
Like many art graduates, I found landing a relevant job in the art sector really difficult – rather than signing on for benefits I took a job as a bartender and later at a theatre to make up more shifts. As the post-university blues set in, I began to feel culturally strangled – missing the creative circle I had on my university course, so, I quit my paid bar job and began volunteering at Open Eye Gallery In January 2016.
Instantly, the gallery provided the environment I had been craving and actively seeking for some months; I came to look forward to my weekly escape into the wonderful photography collection on the bookshelf, and on the walls of the gallery. I threw myself into what Open Eye had to offer – first, Front of House duties and then researching in the office with the fantastic permanent staff. The gallery team have been thoroughly supportive, asking me to write for the blog and capitalising on my (somewhat obsessive) camera and film knowledge – encouraging me to help with, and later, lead workshops. This is what the Open Eye Gallery family (yes, OEG really feels like family) does: members work out what makes you excited, what you are passionate about and builds it into tangible, workable skills.
Since volunteering, I have comfortably been able to lead tours of 20+ people through the gallery, asked to assist a Magnum photographer and even been put in charge of a paid month-long Biennial Fringe exhibition. In such a short period, I have seen my CV rocket upwards in terms of employability and have made an incredible group of friends from whom I learn something every week.
Thanks to Open Eye Gallery putting me in touch with the right people, I have been offered an internship at Edouard Malingue Gallery in Hong Kong, I am moving to China in December!
I am unsure what I will be doing when, or if, I return from Hong Kong, but I know where one of my first stops will be.
Declan Connolly (Volunteer at Open Eye Gallery)
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If you are interested in joining Open Eye Gallery’s team, check out our volunteering page for further information
