Book your Event Volunteer Shift
Dear Volunteers,
I am thrilled that you have chosen to join our team at North York Arts. Our vision is an inclusive, engaged, and sustainable arts and culture community in North York and the contributions of each hardworking volunteer are essential to the ongoing achievement of this vision.
Thank you for offering your time and energy to our initiatives and for making North York a more creative and connected place. I hope you find your time with us to be both fun and rewarding.
Sincerely,
Lila Karim – Executive Director
For all volunteer inquiries contact volunteer@northyorkarts.org or 416-733-9388 ext 7067.
NEW VOLUNTEERS
If you are new to volunteering with North York Arts, you must complete a Volunteer Sign-up Form and attend a Volunteer Orientation Session before you can register for volunteer shifts. Once you complete these steps, please return to this page to review open positions and book your first shift.
Are you looking to practice your English or to develop your communication and interpersonal skills? Let us know and we will make sure to provide you with appropriate training and pair you with another volunteer so you feel confident when practicing your skills. Email volunteer@northyorkarts.ca.
Upcoming Volunteer Orientation Sessions:
Monday June 17, 2019 | 4:30 – 6:30pm
North York Civic Centre, Committee Room 4
5100 Yonge Street
Wednesday June 19, 2019 | 6:00 – 8:00pm
North York Civic Centre, Committee Room 4
5100 Yonge Street
Sign-up for a Volunteer Shift
- Carefully review the volunteer positions listed below
- Click on the ‘Sign-up’ button to view available shifts or scroll down to the calendar
- Click on your desired shift and enter your name and email to confirm your role
- Register for any mandatory or optional training sessions
Cancellation Policy
Volunteers are encouraged to carefully consider their availability before signing up for a volunteer shift. To ensure all volunteers have a chance to participate, please only sign up for the shifts you can commit to. In the case of unexpected circumstances, please notify us as soon as possible by contacting volunteer@northyorkarts.org or 416-733-9388 ext 7067.
Please note: If you cancel 2 consecutive shifts or miss 1 shift without any notice, your upcoming scheduled shifts will be canceled.
Prepare for Your Volunteer Shift
Whether you are a new or returning volunteer, we advise that you take some time to prepare for your volunteer shift with the following steps:
- Double check the date and time of your scheduled shift. If you notice any conflicts, contact us immediately at volunteer@northyorkarts.org or 416-733-9388 ext 7067.
- Review your Volunteer Handbook and AODA Training Kit to ensure you feel well-informed and confident on your first day.
- Select your outfit. Plan to wear comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothing. All of our summer events happen outdoors, rain or shine.
- Plan your route. Volunteers are expected to arrive on site 15 minutes before the start of their scheduled shift. Make sure you look up directions ahead of time and account for delays on public transit.
Volunteer Benefits
There are many Benefits to volunteering at North York Arts. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to connect with a dedicated group of arts and culture lovers, develop new skills and interests, and give back to your community while taking part in some of Toronto’s most exciting cultural events. Other benefits include:
- Special access to arts and culture events during the year
- Reference letters (must attend 1 training session and volunteer 20+ hours)
- Receive community service hours for participating in orientation, training sessions, and for all your volunteered time!
Volunteer Positions
Cultura Festival
Cultura Festival is a free family-friendly outdoor festival presenting music, art, food, and film every Friday evening in July. Cultura celebrates Toronto’s rich diversity featuring world-renowned musicians, tasty international street food, explosive buskers, interactive art activities, and evening film screenings under the stars. Co-presented by Councillor John Fillion and North York Arts, Cultura serves to benefit the local community. Learn more.
Set-up Crew
All Ages
Cultura Festival transforms Mel Lastman Square into an exciting stage for arts and culture. If you want to be part of the transformation and are prepared to do some heavy lifting, then we want you on our Set-up Crew. You will work with a dynamic team to help with festival set-up. Responsibilities include setting up tents, tables, chairs, and more.
Volunteer Booth Attendant
Must be 16+
Volunteer Booth Attendants are the main point of contact for fellow volunteers during Cultura Festival. Responsibilities include checking volunteers in and out, reminding volunteers of their roles, and directing volunteers to their assigned posts. Attendants should be organized and detail-oriented team players.
Register for Optional Training Session: Wednesday, June 26 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Volunteer Leader
Must be 16+
Volunteer Leaders will work as an integral part of the North York Arts events team to support, excite, and mentor fellow volunteers during Cultura Festival. This position is ideal for individuals who have volunteered before and would like to develop their leadership skills. Familiarity with Cultura Festival, North York Arts and/or past experience in a leadership position is an asset.
Interested candidates must apply by sending a short letter of interest and resume to volunteer@northyorkarts.org by Friday, June 21, 2019.
Register for Mandatory Training Session: Wednesday, June 26 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Street Team
All Ages
Street Team volunteers are enthusiastic ambassadors for Cultura Festival. In this position, you will distribute Cultura Festival postcards around Mel Lastman Square and encourage the public to attend the festival. This position is best suited to individuals who love to chat and want to share their passion for arts and culture with others.
Register for Optional Training Session: Wednesday, June 26 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Chalk Team
All Ages
Is doodling and drawing your thing? Do you like interacting with kids? As a member of the Chalk Team, you will create fun chalk drawings and encourage children and families to get in touch with their inner artists while playing with chalk and bubbles. Volunteers in this position should have some drawing abilities and experience working with children.
Register for Mandatory Training Session: Wednesday June 26th from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Information Tent Volunteer
All Ages
Information Tent Volunteers are key ambassadors for North York Arts and Cultura Festival. In this role, you will be stationed at the main festival entrance to welcome attendees, provide handouts, and answer public inquiries. As the main source of information at the festival, this position requires strong verbal communication skills and some customer service experience.
Register for Optional Training Session: Wednesday, June 26 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
NYA Creative and Photography Team
All Ages
NYA Creative and Photography Tent Volunteers work with peers to facilitate a polaroid photo station and encourage festival attendees to answer a short survey online. This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy interacting with the public and want to learn more about taking creative photos with a polaroid camera. Photography experience is not required for this position.
Register for Mandatory Training Session: Thursday June 27 from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Photography Volunteer
All Ages
Are you an emerging and/or young photographer hoping to build your skills and portfolio? Photography Volunteers help capture Sunday Serenades from all angles. You will receive training from an experienced photographer who will help you hone your skills and teach you more about photographing a live event. Individuals with a range of experience are encouraged to participate. Photography Volunteers must provide their own equipment. All devices are welcome, cell phone cameras included!
If you are an experienced professional photographer hoping to give back to your community, please let us know when registering.
Register for Mandatory Training Session: Thursday, June 27th from 6:00 – 8:00pm
Strike Crew
All Ages
Cultura Festival transforms Mel Lastman Square into an exciting stage for arts and culture. If you want to be part of the transformation and are prepared to do some heavy lifting, then we want you on our Strike Crew. You will work with a dynamic team to help with festival tear-down. Responsibilities include returning all tents, tables, chairs, and supply bins to storage areas.
Sunday Serenades
Sunday Serenades is a free outdoor concert series occurring every Sunday evening in July at Mel Lastman Square. It features some of Ontario’s best live swing, big band, and jazz acts. NYA is proud to have assumed oversight of the event last year, which was previously delivered by the City of Toronto for over twenty years. Learn more.
Photography Volunteer
All Ages
Are you an emerging and/or young photographer hoping to build your skills and portfolio? Photography Volunteers help capture Sunday Serenades from all angles. You will receive training from an experienced photographer who will help you hone your skills and teach you more about photographing a live event. Individuals with a range of experience are encouraged to participate. Photography Volunteers must provide their own equipment. All devices are welcome, cell phone cameras included!
If you are an experienced professional photographer hoping to give back to your community, please let us know when registering.
Register for Mandatory Training Session: Thursday, June 27th from 6:00 – 8:00pm
You can also book your shifts in our calendar for JULY!
About Us
North York Arts (NYA) collaborates with artists, arts organizations, and partners to develop, strengthen, and promote cultural programming and initiatives for North York communities
Contact us
North York Arts
5040 Yonge St.
Toronto, ON, M2N 6R8
Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Join Our Network