Please note application forms for GIAF 2026 Volunteer Programme open in early May 2026.
Volunteers play a huge role in the success of Galway International Arts Festival. They help bring extraordinary experiences to the city, its people and its visitors for the whole duration of Galway International Arts Festival each year.
By welcoming our audiences, stewarding at street spectacle performances, helping with the smooth running of the Heineken Big Top concerts, ushering at venues, invigilating at art galleries, supporting the Festival’s sustainability efforts as green ambassadors, providing key information to the public as Festival Ambassadors, promoting the Irish language as Irish language ambassadors and helping gather important data as survey collectors, our volunteers are a vital part of the team.
We are proud to deliver a best practice diverse and inclusive programme which is heavily invested in welcoming individuals from all backgrounds with a range of talents, skills, and perspectives that reflect contemporary Irish society.
Why volunteer with GIAF?
As a GIAF volunteer, one is part of a friendly and diverse team of over 400 individuals who welcome and engage our audiences, helping ensure they have a wonderful festival experience.
We aim to ensure those who participate in the volunteer programme have a rewarding, positive and fun experience while feeling part of a like-minded community.
Volunteering at GIAF is getting to experience the behind the scenes of an established international arts festival, meeting like-minded people, learning and trying new skills, getting to see high quality shows, making new friendships, networking and making unique and long lasting memories.
Perks?
GIAF volunteers receive volunteer t-shirts, and a volunteer kit!
Throughout the duration of GIAF they avail of discounts in local businesses, participate in social activities, get together in the welcoming volunteer hub and get invited to the GIAF wrap party.
Important Information
*All volunteers must be aged 18 years and older
*Inclusion: our volunteer programme is open to everyone, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, civil or family status, disability, race, membership of the Traveller community or socio-economic status.
*Volunteer portal: we use a volunteer management software which allows volunteers to sign up for volunteer opportunities, keep track of volunteer hours and more; a free app can also be downloaded on your mobile phone.
*Induction sessions: once you have been accepted to our volunteer programme, we will keep you informed on all upcoming induction sessions.
*Policies, Code of Conduct and Certificate: If you are accepted into the volunteer programme, you will be asked to read the GIAF Volunteer Policies and to sign a Code of Conduct. At the end of the programme, you will receive a Galway International Arts Festival certificate, authenticating your participation. It will also serve as a lovely memento of your time spent volunteering with the Festival!
*Sponsors and partners: The GIAF Volunteer Department is proud to partner with the University of Galway
Keep in touch
For more information about GIAF volunteers, email volunteers@giaf.ie. Also be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Please note application forms for GIAF 2026 Volunteer Programme open in early May 2026.