Volunteer — The Works International Visual Arts Society
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Thank You!

The Works Volunteers. Photograph by Jacob Leblanc, 2024.

…to our 145 volunteers who contributed over 1900 hours to The Works Festival. Our volunteers helped us greet our visitors, watch over our exhibits, deliver tours, encourage creativity, and keep our festival safe, clean, and vibrant! 


Thank you to Edmonton businesses that support The Works volunteers

Culligan Water — Art Gallery of Alberta — CO*LAB - Community {Arts} Laboratory — Cobs Bread Crestwood — Audrey’s Books — Citadel Box Office — Panago Pizza — Edmonton Riverhawks — MLA David Shepherd — MLA Rachel Notley — MLA Hon. David Eggen — Councillor Sarah Hamilton — Vertically Inclined — Councillor Anne Stevenson — MLA Janis Irwin — Councillor Jo-Anne Wright — The Old Spaghetti Factory

 

volunteer with the works!

The Works Art & Design Festival is the most unique, free event of its kind. It attracts artists, designers and patrons from around the world – boosting the city’s energy and imagination at the start of each summer.

Volunteers are at the heart of The Works Art & Design Festival. Without them, North America’s largest free outdoor art and design festival would not exist. We work closely with volunteers to provide the training and education needed to help us make art accessible to the public. We strive to ensure that every volunteer has a unique, exciting and personally fulfilling experience.  

We at The Works value inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility in our volunteer base. We encourage anyone who may require accommodation to apply! 

 

Volunteer Applications for the 2025 festival will open in February. To join our mailing list, please contact us using the forms below.

 
 
 

Contact the Volunteer Department

Contact us at The Works office:
Attn. Volunteer Department
10635 – 95th St. NW Edmonton, AB T5H 2C3
Phone: 780.426.2122 (ext. 230)
Email: volunteer@theworks.ab.ca               


 
 

Festival Volunteer Positions

We look forward to meeting you! Each year, we are humbled by the dedication of our volunteers, and we strive to provide great perks and recognition. Below, find volunteer positions listed in more detail.

Most shifts are 4 hours in length or just under, including a 30-minute break. We ask our volunteers to commit to a minimum of 12 hours. Accommodation can be made—just ask!

Attendance to a 1.5-hour in-person general orientation is mandatory, however there may be multiple held to allow for differing schedules. Accommodation can also be arranged.

 
 

 Thank you to our volunteer supporters.

 

TART - Training in Art

Training in art interpretation, engagement, and discussion.

TArt - Training in Art

TArt is a free educational leadership opportunity available for volunteers interested in expanding their knowledge in art and design, art interpretation, and building confidence in discussing art. This session provides training in art interpretation, preparing participants to engage in discussions with festival patrons as an Exhibit Attendant. No experience necessary. This consists of one approximately two-to-three-hour classroom session. This session is a requirement for those interested in the Tour Guide position, with on-site tour training included for Tour Guides who will lead public tours through the festival site. If you’re interested, make sure to answer “yes” on your volunteer application. 

No experience necessary  

Though many TART participants have some educational background in the arts, TArt can help with improved confidence in engaging the public in discussions about art on the festival site. The goal of The Works free public tours is not to dispatch dates, facts and history, but to foster dialogue and encourage visitors to have meaningful interactions with artists and artwork.

TART Volunteers have opportunities to:

  • Meet and work with festival artists through exclusive artists talks and some artist assistant positions

  • Lead patrons on tours around the festival site

  • Receive deeper art interpretation training to promote meaningful conversations about art with patrons

  • Provide suggestions for improvement and growth of the festival

To apply for a TART position, indicate your interest on the online volunteer application form

 

Volunteer Benefits 

  1. Along with exclusive volunteer perks such as an exclusive Works volunteer T-shirt, daily snacks, refreshments, daily meals, a goodie bag, chances to win prizes, and attendance at the wrap up / appreciation party! You will also: 

  2. Gain experience in interacting with the public and in local and contemporary art and design communities. You will also gain confidence in discussing art with the general public and artists alike. You’ll get to learn the inner workings of a major art festival. Additionally, you’ll gain general volunteering experience and an appreciation of local art and design. 

  3. Make connections in local and new communities, meeting people from different ages and backgrounds. You'll also get to work alongside local artists, curators, staff, and other volunteers. 

  4. Develop teamwork skills and an ability to work with a variety of people from different ages and backgrounds. You’ll also get to develop multi-tasking skills, social and communication skills.  

  5. Work alongside The Works to increase the accessibility of art and create an inclusive environment for all folks to interact with and learn about local and contemporary art. You’ll also contribute to artists’ positive experience at the festival, learning about Edmonton's vibrant cultural, festival, and art scene 

  6. And contribute to festival patron’s positive experience with The Works festival. Lastly knowing you’re an integral piece to the running of North America’s largest free outdoor art & design festival. 

Apply today by completing the online volunteer application form.

Feel free to contact the volunteer department by emailing volunteer@theworks.ab.ca or Call us at 780-426-2122 (ext.230). Paper copies of applications are available upon request at The Works office.