5 – 15 hours per week
Closing date: Wednesday, July 1
1646 is an international art space in The Hague, where you can experience innovative exhibitions, performances, screenings and other public activities. We work with both upcoming and renowned artists that research social issues in a critical and creative manner. With an ambitious exhibition- and residency program, we support artists locally, nationally and internationally with the development of new work and imagining new perspectives on the world.
With the Garden Room Cafe we want to create a space where visitors can linger, meet each other, continue talking about what they have seen, or simply unwind. For the café, we are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy welcoming visitors and helping us build this hidden gem in The Hague.
About the volunteer position
The Garden Room Café is a meeting place where visitors can chat about an exhibition, meet new people or simply sit down for a while. As a volunteer, you are the face of the café. You work in close contact with our Public, Education & Inclusion colleague and collaborate with her to consider how the café can further develop. Because 1646 has a small and committed team, you are given room to take initiative, contribute ideas, and actively contribute to the atmosphere and growth of the café.
As a volunteer at the Garden Room Café:
– You open and manage the café during opening hours;
– You welcome visitors and ensure a warm, hospitable atmosphere;
– You provide support with inventory management and the daily organization of the café;
– You identify what works well and where there are opportunities for improvement;
– You contribute ideas for new initiatives and the further development of the café;
– You contribute to an accessible and inviting environment for a diverse audience.
Your profile
You do not need an art background to fulfill this role. We are looking for someone who:
– Is independent and responsible;
– Is hospitable and sociable;
– Is organized and enjoys a pleasant, well-organized work environment;
– Is interested in art, culture, or community building;
– Is attentive and sensitive to the needs of visitors and a space;
– Is able to make themselves understood in Dutch (preferred) and English (must).
Experience in the hospitality industry and/or a Social Hygiene certificate are a plus, but not a requirement.
What do we offer?
– A unique volunteer position within a contemporary art institution;
– The chance to help build a new meeting place within 1646;
– Guidance from our Public, Education & Inclusion colleague;
– Experience at the intersection of art, hospitality, and public programs;
– Room for your own initiative, ideas, and personal involvement;
– The opportunity to read, study, or work on your own projects during quiet moments, provided that visitors and the café always take priority;
– A volunteer allowance of € 5.75 per hour (maximum statutory volunteer allowance 2026).
Café opening hours:
Thursday: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
We are looking for multiple volunteer positions of 5 – 15 hours per week. You work primarily in the evenings and/or weekends. The schedule is drawn up in consultation.
The volunteer agreement initially runs from September 10, 2026 to November 1, 2026 during the upcoming exhibition of Natasha Tontey. Afterwards, we would be happy to discuss together whether and how we will continue the collaboration.
Contact
Do you have questions about this volunteer position? Please feel free to contact us via ct@1646.nl.
How to apply?
If you are interested in this volunteer position, you can apply by filling out the application form. This form asks a number of short questions about your motivation, skills, and availability.
Click here for the application form
Deadline: Wednesday, July 1
After the deadline, we will review all applications and invite a selection of candidates for a short online interview. We will then select the volunteers for this position. Naturally, we will inform all applicants of the outcome.
This vacancy is open to everyone. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who contributes to diversity within the organization.
