JOIN THE COCKPIT TEAM

Volunteer at Cockpit

Become part of the Cockpit volunteer team! 

In 2026, Cockpit celebrates 40 years of supporting makers, and we have an ambitious calendar of events planned. Our 40th anniversary events, taking place at both Cockpit Bloomsbury and Cockpit Deptford, include our biannual Open Studios, the launch of our annual report, The Cockpit Effect, during London Craft Week, and more.

Each event is an invaluable opportunity to meet a diverse body of artist-makers that create and showcase their craft directly to the public.  The volunteer team are key to helping Cockpit deliver a smooth and enriching experience to all our partners and visitors.

What is Cockpit?
Cockpit is a centre of excellence in contemporary craft. Spanning a wide range of craft disciplines, Cockpit makers are united by their extraordinary skill and imagination. Bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, our mission is to equip makers to succeed on their own terms, creatively and commercially. 

A charity and award-winning social enterprise, Cockpit gives makers tools to build their businesses so they can focus on what they do best: making. We provide funded studio space, in-house business training and coaching, and exhibition opportunities for 176 makers practicing 23 different disciplines. Beyond Cockpit we work with makers throughout the United Kingdom and internationally.

The Role: Events Volunteer

What will you do?

By joining the Cockpit team as a volunteer, you help us by being an on-site presence at our events, and you will actively engage with those running the event, offer help, talk to and guide visitors around the building, and pass any problems/issues back to the event manager. 

Key qualities: 

• Ideal for someone with a genuine interest in craft and the creative sector and keen to learn from interactions with the core team and makers

• Good communication skills, friendly and with a natural ability to engage with the public

• Confident with sharing some knowledge with visitors about Cockpit and what it does as a charity

• Possess a calm and measured presence to assist with the smooth delivery of the events

Who are we looking for?

• Presentable, confident, and enthusiastic individuals who have a keen interest in craft, design, and the visual arts

• Have some experience of working at events, customer service, and/or invigilating exhibitions

• Can confidently and clearly give directions and assist the public with queries

• Able to attend online and on-site training/orientation sessions 

Key Event Dates: 

• Bloomsbury: 
  • Monday 11 May – The Cockpit Effect Launch
  • Tuesday 12 May – London Craft Week Exhibition
  • Thursday 4-Sunday 7 June – Summer Open Studios
  • Thursday 26-Sunday 29 November – Winter Open Studios

• Deptford: 
  • Friday 12-Sunday 14 June – Summer Open Studios
  • Friday 4-Sunday 6 December – Winter Open Studios

Hours of Work: 

• You would be expected to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the start of the public opening times

• The shifts are usually in 3-hour blocks with1 half hour (30 minute) break, unless specified

• You will not need to be available for all the days/times, but should be able to offer shifts equivalent to two (2) full days

Expenses 

• A stipend of £25 is available to cover daily travel expenses and food allowance. Please provide receipts with your claim form.

• You will receive a lunch voucher if you work a full day, redeemable at the onsite café

• Refreshments and light snacks will be provided for breaks

How to apply and get involved:

If you would like to get involved, please complete this form and send your CV to sarah@cockpitstudios.org by Friday 10 April, 6pm.  Please include ‘Volunteer’ in the subject line of your email.

• Please let us know how many days you would like to do and any availability restrictions you are already aware of

• We will review all applications following the deadline and notify you via email

• Those who are selected will be given a schedule that is tailored to the number of days and hours you can offer

• There will be orientation and training sessions held at each site — attendance is required as it will be opportunity to ask questions and meet the core team and understand the landscape of each site