Volunteer with DesignTO, a non-profit arts organization best known for its annual DesignTO Festival. Help us to further our mission to increase the public’s knowledge and appreciation of design and its role in creating a sustainable, just and joyful world.
Volunteers are important to DesignTO’s Festival Week activities. They bring skill, time, and enthusiasm to the annual celebration of design.
We are grateful for the continued support of our volunteers who help to create a welcoming festival atmosphere.
All volunteer positions and DesignTO protocols will follow government health and safety guidelines. Most shifts require being indoors.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Learn about and experience Toronto’s vibrant design and art culture
- Support our mission to advance design culture in Canada
- Network and make friends who share your interests
- Gain work experience and/or volunteer hours
*After you fill out the form you will be contacted in November or December to signup for Volunteer Shifts on a first come, first serve basis.
Through our public programming and the help of our volunteers, we curate exhibitions, presentations and educational programming to increase the public’s knowledge and appreciation of design and its role in creating a sustainable, just and joyful world. If you’re interested in networking, design, art, event planning, and customer service, we invite you to express your interest via the form links below. Most volunteer shifts occur on weekdays (evenings) and weekends (during the day and evening).
Every volunteer who successfully and professionally completes their volunteer shifts will receive a complimentary DesignTO Volunteer Membership*.
Volunteer Shift Types
Docents/Greeters
This role is critical for connecting and communicating with the public to enhance visitors’ experience and understanding of the assigned exhibitions and events, and may also involve way-finding to help guide visitors. This role is essential in helping us bring people together.
Surveyors
This role is perfect for outgoing volunteers who want to meet as many people as possible. It is vital to collect demographic information from attendees, which DesignTO uses to understand its audience better.
Event Registration
This role requires a friendly disposition to check in registered attendees as they arrive at an event.
*Volunteer Memberships include all benefits available to Individual Members with the exception of the AZURE Magazine Digital Subscription.
If you’re interested in networking, design, art, event photography and videography, we invite you to express your interest via the form link below. Most volunteer shifts occur on weekdays (evenings) and weekends (during the day and evening).
Every volunteer who successfully and professionally completes their volunteer shifts will receive a complimentary DesignTO Volunteer Membership*.
Festival Photographers
Volunteer photographers are a primary source of documentation during Festival Week. As assigned, they will be responsible for documenting Festival events, signage, venues, and people. Photographers must have their personal equipment and be available to document at least two events, exhibitions, or installations.
Volunteer photographers are a primary source of documentation during Festival Week. As assigned, they will be responsible for documenting Festival events, signage, venues, and people. Photographers must have their personal equipment and be available to document at least two events, exhibitions, or installations.
*Volunteer Memberships include all benefits available to Individual Members with the exception of the AZURE Magazine Digital Subscription.
The following volunteer opportunities are for die-hard fans of DesignTO and typically involve year-round commitment for an average of 4 hours per week.
There are no year-round volunteer positions currently available. To be notified about volunteer opportunities, subscribe to the DesignTO Newsletter.* Be sure to choose the Volunteers: Docents, Greeters, Surveys, Photographers, etc. option
Key Dates
2023
September – November
- Volunteers fill out the Expression of Interest form
December
- Volunteer shifts launch
- Signup Orientation (Date TBA)
2024
January 2024
- In-person volunteer orientation and training
January 19-28, 2024
- DesignTO Festival at over 100 locations across the City of Toronto
