Society City Wollongong

Volunteering at Society City is a fun way to meet new people and create contemporary art while supporting a space that promotes the importance of community. I enjoy the inclusiveness of the space and the energy created by other volunteers that promote diverse art making practices. Volunteering allows you to use the co-working space, host your own events, use free wi-fi, as well as having discounts off books and events. There are also responsibilities associated with volunteering, such as running the bookshop, committing to a 2 hour shift per week, contributing to the maintenance of the space, paying a membership fee for $10 a month and helping to set up for events.

I first started volunteering at the end of January this year. I had just finished my university degree majoring in theatre performance, and I felt lost on how to continue to work on my art practice since a majority of theatres were still closed due to Covid-19. Volunteering helped me find a sense of belonging within a community of artists working with different mediums. It felt comforting to be surrounded by others who shared similar values of the importance of artmaking and community. 

The open space to create works was inviting, as everyone is free to use the Zine machine for zine and collage projects. There are plenty of comfy lounges to read a book if I was looking for motivation. As a shared space, I enjoy talking to others about what they are working on and getting to know other volunteers personally. 

I’m grateful to use Society City as a venue to host theatre events each month as a volunteer. I enjoy bringing people together and it felt comforting to be able to encourage performance art in the space. 

Since joining Society City as a volunteer I feel like I belong in a community and have made positive connections with other artists. I feel motivated to continue my art practise and am continually inspired by the wonderful works other creators have contributed to the space. Joining the volunteering program at Society City is a fulfilling way to contribute to an organisation that values art making and community while providing a sense of belonging.

Bella