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The Blue Oyster is a not for profit organisation and registered charitable trust that relies on the goodwill and in-kind support from the local community to maintain an active programme of innovative projects, exhibitions, events and publications. Those involved range from our Board of Trustees, to volunteers looking to gain experience and to be a part of a meaningful organisation.

The Blue Oyster Arts Trust consists of between five and eight voluntary Trustees, responsible for the long term direction and sustainability of the Blue Oyster Art Project Space. Trustees offer their time and commitment voluntarily, and are dedicated to promoting and supporting the local arts community and emerging artists. 

We are always on the look out for assistance with a variety of projects from installation, gallery sitting, archiving, technical help, professional advice, construction, accountancy, publicity, photography, writing and design. 

The Blue Oyster's rich history in experimental and emerging art projects makes it a supportive environment for anyone looking to get involved in philanthropy, learn more about exhibition making, curatorial practice and arts administration. 

Voluntary Opportunities

Gallery Volunteers
Blue Oyster volunteers help with a huge range of operational work that would not otherwise be possible without their support. Volunteers not only gain valuable experience, but also the appreciation and support of the Staff, Trustees and the wider Blue Oyster community of artists, funders and audience. Volunteers are offered references and letters of support, as well as professional advice in their own artistic endeavours. Email us if you'd like to start volunteering.

Work-placement
We are available to take on students looking to complete work-placements at all times of the year for any length of time. We offer a comprehensive pre-prepared programme of for work-placement students that can be adjusted to suit the student's specific interests and education. Email us to enquire.

Internships
Although internships are not a recurrent part of our operations, we welcome anyone interested in completing self-directed projects in arts administration, curatorship, research and exhibition making. Email us if you are interested in undertaking an internship, include your CV, project proposal and suggested timeframe and dates.

2021 Hannah Renwick (Archival)
2021 Rosa Nevison (Otago Polytechnic, Design Department)
2021 Reuben Scott (University of Otago)
2021 Jacob Tucker (Dunedin School of Art)
2021 Riley Young (Dunedin School of Art)
2021 Sophearith Dareth (University of Otago & JobDUN)
2021 Bunty Bou (University of Otago & JobDUN)
2020 Koren Allpress (Exhibition Installation)
2019 Anna van Hattum (Archival)
2019 Emily Crooks (Archival)
2018 Māia Abraham (Toi Māori Aotearoa Partnership)
2018 Anna van Hattum (Archival)
2018 Lydie Schmidt (Curatorial)
2017 Jessica Taylor (Archival)
2016 Marilona Kautzmann (Curatorial, 3 months)
2015 Tim Player (Gallery)
2014 Amiria Puia-Taylor (Tautai partnership)
2014 Loulou Callister-Baker (Archival)
2011 Jenny Chen and Suzanne Claessen (Curatorial)
2006 Bernard Hamlin (Curatorial)