Volunteer
Volunteer at The Works Art & Design Festival and enjoy exclusive perks from day one! You’ll receive a Volunteer T-shirt, daily meals and snacks, chances to win prizes, and an invitation to our post-festival party.
The Works is made possible every year with the help of our dedicated volunteers. Volunteering is a chance to connect with a vibrant community, working alongside fellow volunteers, artists, curators, staff, and people of all ages and backgrounds. Click here to see our frequently asked questions.
Festival Dates
Festival Dates: June 20 – July 1, 2026 (12 days total).
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. While we ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of 3 shifts / 12 hours, we minimum of 3 shifts over the festival, accommodations can always be made!
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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.
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Requirements: 3.5-hour shifts between 11am–5pm, May require Vulnerable Persons police check and/or reference upon request.
Assist the Family Programming Coordinator with crafts and activities for festival patrons. Help folks get creative, keep supplies stocked, and maintain a tidy space. Ideal for educators, students, creatives, or anyone who enjoys working with children.
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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.
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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.
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Shift Requirements: 6 hour shifts from 11:30am-5:00 / 4:30-10:15pm
Age Requirement: 18+
Training Requirement: Must have valid Pro-Serve by 1st shift
ID patrons, exchange drink tickets for cash/card, work as a team to uphold AGLC rules, and serve bottled alcohol to festival Patrons.
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Shift Requirement: Varies on tour times, shifts are ~2 hours in length.
Training Requirement: Attend TArt or a previous Works Tour Guide
Conduct a free 15 minute - 1.5 hour engaging tour of the festival and off-site venues with The Works for members of the public.
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Shift Requirment: 4-hour shifts between 11am–10pm
Age Requirement: 16+
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.
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Shift Requirements: Flexible between 10:30am–11pm
Support the Volunteer Team in Headquarters with sign-ins, scheduling, snack setup, volunteer breaks, and general administrative tasks. Ideal for those interested in behind-the-scenes operations.
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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.
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Shift Requirement: Flexible, typically scheduled for 3 hours
Capture festival moments for promotional purposes. Volunteers must bring their own equipment, upload their photos in a timely manner, and ask patrons for consent when photographing them.
How to Apply
Click the link “Apply Today” to be redirected to our online form. This form will ask for basic personal information (name, email, etc.), what volunteer position(s) you think you’d like, and if you’d like to sign up for our newsletters or Training in Art Interpretation (TArt)
We have paper copies of the application available at our office. Please email volunteer@theworks.ab.ca or phone 780-426-2122 ext.230 to pick one up.
Questions?
Click here to see our frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, please email volunteer@theworks.ab.ca.
To stay up to date with volunteer opportunities at The Works, sign up for our email newsletter!