Volunteer at The Works Festival

Join us as a Works Festival volunteer and enjoy exclusive perks from day one! You’ll receive a Volunteer T-shirt, daily meals and snacks, a goodie bag, chances to win prizes, and an invitation to our post-festival party. Volunteering is also a chance to connect with a vibrant community, working alongside fellow volunteers, artists, curators, staff, and people of all ages and backgrounds.

TArt – Training in Art Interpretation
Enhance your volunteer experience with our free TArt workshop, designed to build confidence in discussing art and developing interpretation skills. This 2–3 hour session takes place before the festival. It’s required for Tour Guides and recommended for Exhibit Attendants. Simply select “yes” on your volunteer application if interested.

Requirements
No experience is required. Most roles are outdoors, with breaks and chairs provided. Many positions are paired, allowing friends, families, or support workers to volunteer together, with staff available to provide support. Roles range from social to behind-the-scenes, and some require volunteers to be 18+.

Volunteer Positions
With a variety of volunteer positions, The Works Festival offers an inclusive, welcoming environment where collaboration comes naturally and new friendships flourish.

  • Shift Requirements: 4-hour shifts between 11am–10pm

    Monitor a specific art exhibit with a partner to keep artwork safe and count visitors using a clicker. Greet and interact with the public, answer questions about the exhibit, and help create a welcoming experience. Ideal for those interested in visual arts or learning about art interpretation.

  • Shift Requirements: 3.5-hour shifts between 11am–5pm

    Assist the Family Programming Coordinator with kids’ crafts and activities. Help families get creative, keep supplies stocked, and maintain a tidy space. Ideal for educators, students, creatives, or anyone who enjoys working with children.

  • Shift Requirements: 4-hour shifts between 11am–10pm

    Welcome visitors at festival entrances, answer questions, and count patrons entering and leaving using a clicker. Counts help determine festival attendance and future funding. English is not required.

  • Shift Requirements: Flexible between 10am–11pm

    Help keep the festival site clean, tidy, and safe. Tasks include trash collection, recycling, and general site upkeep. Best for volunteers who prefer minimal social interaction or working independently/pairs.

  • Shift Requirements: 4-hour shifts between 11am–10pm

    Monitor reserved parking areas, redirect non-permit vehicles, and keep the lot organized. Staff are nearby to assist with any issues. This is primarily an independent role, though volunteers can work in pairs or small groups.

  • Shift Requirements: 4-hour shifts between 11am–11pm

    Age Requirement: 18+

    Count patrons entering and leaving the patio and help enforce AGLC rules, such as preventing drinks from leaving the area.

  • Shift Requirements: 3-hour shifts between 10:30am–11pm

    Capture festival moments for promotional purposes. Volunteers must bring a DSLR camera, submit a photography résumé, attend a free orientation session, and ask patrons for consent when photographing them.

  • Shift Requirements: Flexible between 10:30am–11pm

    Support the Volunteer Coordinator with sign-ins, scheduling, snack setup, volunteer breaks, and general administrative tasks. Ideal for those interested in behind-the-scenes operations. A reference or familiarity with The Works is required.

How to Apply
Applications to volunteer at The Works Art & Design Festival open in February.