Explore your passion for the arts by giving back to independent artists and art organizations through volunteering.
The skills you use in your day job are highly sought after and could make a world of difference for our local arts community. From business needs such as finance, marketing, and HR to legal assistance including contracts and non-profit designations, business professionals and lawyers are always needed in the arts community.
Current Opportunities
- Business Volunteer
- Legal Volunteer
Full descriptions for each opportunity can be found below.
Legal Volunteer Interest Sign up!Business Volunteer Interest Sign up!
Volunteer Role Descriptions
Volunteer Business Professionals for the Arts
About the Program
Business Volunteers in the Arts (BVA) connects artists, arts workers, and small-to-mid-sized arts organizations with experienced business professionals. By sharing your knowledge, you’ll help strengthen the region’s creative sector and empower arts leaders to thrive.
Who We’re Looking For
We seek professionals with knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Finance (budgeting, planning, analysis)
- Marketing (branding, strategy, digital outreach)
- Human Resources (policies, compliance, organizational culture)
- Information Technology (infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital tools)
- Business Development (growth strategies, partnerships)
- Development & Fundraising (donor relations, campaign planning)
- Executive Coaching (leadership development, board relations, succession planning)
Your Impact
- Offer pro bono consulting to artists and arts organizations.
- Provide one-on-one guidance or group workshops.
- Help build sustainable practices in the creative sector.
Commitment
- Flexible, based on availability and expertise.
- Service requests vary in scope; volunteers may accept or decline cases as they arise.
Benefits
- Give back by strengthening Pittsburgh’s arts community.
- Expand your professional network across industries.
- Enhance your own leadership and consulting skills.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
About the Program
Legal Volunteers in the Arts (LVA) is a program of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and is administered through a partnership with the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Arts & Law Committee. The program provides pro bono legal assistance to artists, arts workers, and arts organizations. VLA attorneys play a critical role in ensuring equitable access to legal guidance that supports creative and cultural work in our region.
Who We’re Looking For
We seek attorneys with knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Business and Corporate Law
- Contract Law
- Employment and Labor Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- Tax Law
- Entertainment/Arts Law
- Real Estate Law
Your Impact
- Provide pro bono legal counsel to artists, arts workers, and arts organizations.
- Provide one-on-one guidance or group workshops.
- Help creative professionals and community-based organizations navigate legal challenges that may otherwise limit their work.
Commitment
- Flexible, based on availability and area of practice.
- Service requests vary in scope; volunteers may accept or decline cases as they arise
Benefits
- Eligible for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit through pro bono service.
- Build relationships within the arts community and legal network.
- Contribute to the sustainability of Pittsburgh’s creative economy and cultural sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a business or legal volunteer?
Fill out the Volunteer Application. Once your application is reviewed, you will be added to our database for potential business requests!
Twice a year, the Arts Council offers an information session where volunteers will get an overview of the Business and Legal Assistance Programs and a chance to ask questions.
What are the expectations of business or legal volunteers?
The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council seeks dedicated volunteers with a passion for arts and culture to provide pro bono support. Volunteer projects may range from a single consultation to multi-month engagements. Legal volunteers must be licensed to practice in Pennsylvania. All volunteers are asked to support at least one client per fiscal year (July–June).
How does the process work?
We match an artist or an arts organization to the appropriate volunteer through the following steps:
- The client submits an application to the Arts Council.
- Our staff screens the application for eligibility.
- Our staff sends a mass email to volunteers with the description of the request.
- A volunteer may express interest in a specific request and will then be matched with the client to begin the pro bono process.
- At the end of the relationship, the volunteer is responsible to fill-out a service assessment.
Is there malpractice insurance coverage for legal matters?
Yes, the Allegheny County Bar Association provides malpractice insurance for legal matters if the client is located in Allegheny County. We will identify any client that is not located in Allegheny County and therefore not covered by the Bar Association’s malpractice insurance.
There is no insurance coverage for business projects.
Are there other ways for volunteers to get involved?
Yes. We regularly organize workshops and webinars to educate clients and volunteers and utilize our business and legal volunteers to staff these events. Additionally, we’re always communicating with local artists and art groups. If you have an article or other relevant information you’d like us to share with the art community, send it our way. Finally, we also let our volunteers know of any openings on the boards of local nonprofits. Serving on the board of a nonprofit arts organization is another great way to get involved and make a difference.