The Oakville Arts Council utilizes volunteers through two main functions: through its Board of Directors and its Cultural Grants Committee. These are senior-level positions for Oakville-based residents with a passion for and dedication to improve the Town’s vibrant arts sector. These are important positions that are critical in shaping the arts and culture community; how the sector is supported and perceived by, and ultimately integrated into the community at large. We have included below a quick snapshot of the roles and expectations of these positions. If you are interested in getting involved as a Board Member or as a Cultural Grant Volunteer, please email Executive Director Bernadette Ward who will be happy to send you a more detailed job description.

OAC Board Members

OAC Board Members are Oakville-based volunteers with business or subject-area expertise that collectively develop, evaluate and approve approaches, policies and plans for advancing the organization’s vision and mandate. They are legally, morally and financially responsible for the organization and are accountable for and work with the ED. Other responsibilities and accountabilities of a board members include:

• Accountable to membership
• Defines, sets, monitors and adjusts vision/mission
• Determines priorities, policies and structures based on their and the ED’s expertise
• Promotes organization in community
• Evaluate the organization’s progress relative to goals, responding to shortfalls and/or need for growth
• Ensures the organization’s sustainability (appropriate resources and infrastructure)
• Maintains and builds Board
• Fundraising
• Approves Budget

Cultural Grant Volunteer Jurors

The Cultural Grants Committee is composed of four to seven volunteers who review applications submitted by Oakville arts groups looking to fund cultural initiatives. These volunteers are Oakville-based and have a demonstrated knowledge of arts and culture in Oakville. Volunteers cannot be board members of any organization applying for a Cultural Grant, however operational-level members are welcome to participate, but will recuse themselves during the adjudication process of their specific organization. For more information about our terms of reference, please go here. Cultural Grant responsibilities include.

• To receive applications for cultural grants on behalf of the Town of Oakville
• To review all applications for conformity with the established Cultural Grants criteria.
• To request clarification or additional information necessary to enable a complete review.
• To debate and establish grant levels for all applications
• To offer constructive comment concerning the grant applications to assist the Town of Oakville Budget Committee in appreciating the rationale for the recommendation of the allocations and to assist future applicants
• To reconvene to hear appeals, if necessary, as directed by the Budget Committee or Council
• To reconvene as necessary and as directed to review grants applications

Volunteer Database 

Our members are often looking for individuals to help with different tasks, including running events, assisting with administrative duties and acting as an arts ambassador. If you are interested in having one of our organizational members contact you about volunteering, please fill out the volunteer member form below to be included in our private database. Only our organizational members will be able to contact you. The Oakville Arts Council does not provide any screening of any kind. If you are interested in volunteering with the Oakville Arts Council only, email us here.