Exploring HOTA’s Volunteer Ambassador Program: With Ambassador Annika
HOTA, or Home of the Arts, is a leading cultural precinct in the Gold Coast that provides a diverse range of events and programs across the arts, including music, theatre, dance, film, and exhibitions. HOTA is dedicated to providing a vibrant and inclusive space for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with the arts. HOTA is committed to promoting creativity, fostering cultural exchange, and enriching the community’s cultural life.
What many might not know is that HOTA has an amazing volunteering ambassador program for people that are passionate about art, the Gold Coast and learning about the many different roles it takes to run such an art space. We were fortunate enough to get an insight into this program by speaking to Annika Strand one of the current ambassadors who is loving it.
VGC: Tell us a little bit about HOTA and what you do there:
Annika: HOTA is an iconic Gold Coast destination where art, entertainment, culture and lifestyle meet. A place that locals love and visitors must see. As an ambassador, I play an important role in the visitor services team. As part of my role, I am responsible for engaging and building connections with our visitors across the visual arts and the performance arts precinct.
How has volunteering helped your organisation?
Volunteering has helped HOTA in many different ways. We are a community of dedicated volunteers with a passion for art and the Gold Coast, in support of the growing ambition of the HOTA Cultural Precinct. We are the front face for our visitors. While the Visitors Service Officers have an operational requirement to attend to, we take the time to interact with our visitors to give them the best experience at HOTA.
Why is it important to support Volunteering?
I believe that it is important to support volunteering because there are so many benefits to volunteering for you and your organisation. It can bring meaning and purpose to people’s lives. I know from my time volunteering at HOTA it has changed my life and has given me a purpose.
Can you share a specific moment or experience during volunteering at HOTA that has left a lasting impact on you?
There are so many amazing moments that I have had volunteering at HOTA. One of them was my first day! The moment I went into HOTA I knew it was something for me. Everyone was so welcoming, I felt right at home. I loved my role and I knew what was expected from me.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in volunteering but is unsure?
My advice would be to DO IT! You won’t know if you don’t try. It might be the best thing you have done.
How do you feel when you are volunteering?
I feel in my element I love being at HOTA providing the best experience to our visitors. I also love being around art and sharing my knowledge as I’m an artist myself. I haven’t looked back!
If you are interested in joining HOTA’s Ambassador Program? Keep reading to see what it’s all about!
A bit about HOTA’s Ambassador’s Program:
With unexpected art indoors and out, HOTA presents exhibitions and projects of a national and international scale, indoors and out, year-round. They are always on the lookout for dedicated, enthusiastic HOTA Ambassadors with a passion for art and the Gold Coast, to join their friendly and creative team. No two days will be the same as you play a key role in engaging and inspiring visitors. You may find yourself welcoming and helping customers, hosting tours, sharing personal insights, and talking about art to your heart’s content!
To read more and apply for this opportunity head to their website here.