Volunteers

We practise Mosaic as a uniquely social art form, allowing fine artists to work alongside artisans and beginners.

Southbank Mosaics has a regular group of volunteers who have been working with the project over several years. Our volunteers come for a variety of reasons: to gift their time and talent, to learn new skills, to meet new friends and many other reasons.

We accept volunteers who are willing to work with us and if you are interested in mosaic craft then you should come to the studios on Thursdays 16.00 - 21.00 where you will register and receive training. You will make a small mosaic for yourself. This is free of charge, but we do not provide any other expenses.

Our aim is to make you self-sufficient as a mosaic artist. We expect people to work to the highest standards. Once you feel confident, you can work on our public realm projects. As a confident mosaic artist we will also encourage you to attend the studios Mondays - Fridays. Those who wish to use our studios to make their own private mosaic pieces must make a contribution towards use of the studio (£10 per visit) and materials ((@ £3 for 10cm2).

KEY GUIDELINES: As a safe and secure environment you must follow safety rules and always tidy up after yourself. As a workplace you must treat colleagues with mutual respect and support. As a social enterprise you must understand that Southbank Mosaics has to earn income and be productive.

Southbank Mosaics started as a voluntary project – managed and run by volunteers. It remains a largely voluntary project, with artisans and local residents designing and making intricate mosaics, ceramics and sculptures for the public realm. The emphasis of the project is on quality, rather than quantity. IN 2008 ALL OUR VOLUNTARY WORK WILL BE ON PROJECT BLAKE MOSAICS: We are making a series of William Blake's Lambeth works, in mosaic, to be put in to Centaur Street. William Blake wanted his work to be enlarged and put into public space, so we are fulfilling his wish. This is a Heritage project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Southbank Mosaics offers volunteers the opportunity to:

• Train in useful artisan skills
• Work with experienced artisans
• Contribute to public-realm works of art
• Make London more legible and beautiful
• Join an international team that draws inspiration from many cultures, local and over the horizon
• Celebrate our shared history

What we expect from our volunteers:

• Enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• Willingness to learn

Fees and expenses for volunteers:

In general, all our in-house training is free for volunteers.

We want our volunteers to work on Project Blake this year. However, if a volunteer wants to make their own work (rather than work on one of our commissions) then they must make a contribution towards use of the studio and use of materials.

Mosaic charges for private work are at the rate of £10 for each visit and £3.00 for 10x10cms square. (Ceramics & sculpture charges to be agreed.)

We do not pay expenses.