Volunteer applications for GIAF 2023 are now closed.
Volunteers play a huge role in the success of Galway International Arts Festival. For 14 days every year they help bring extraordinary experiences to the city, its people and its visitors.
As a GIAF volunteer, you will be part of a friendly and diverse team who welcome and engage our audiences helping ensure they have a great festival experience.
Stewarding, ushering, and invigilating are just some of the main roles in our volunteer programme.
Why volunteer with GIAF?
A great time awaits you with an opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends and immerse yourself in the arts. Experience the behind the scenes of a festival while contributing to the successful delivery of one of Ireland’s leading cultural events.
As a GIAF Volunteer you will also avail of some great perks such as a volunteer kit, discounts at local businesses, a festival t-shirt, free tickets to selected shows (depending on availability), free social activities, a completion certificate and a great post-festival party.
Other Volunteer Roles
Behind the Scenes volunteers are selected via an interview process and may work in a variety of roles across the various festival departments such as Production, Administration, Marketing and Volunteers. Behind the Scenes roles vary each year based on need and are perfect for those looking for more experience in the creative industries. Interested individuals may send an email of enquiry with CV to volunteers@giaf.ie or indicate their interest using the online volunteer portal during Festival season
Ambassadors These volunteers know everything there is to know about the event– the who, what, where and when of the entire Festival programme and As an Ambassador you will advise and help our audiences choose the perfect shows for their tastes. You’ll know what shows are selling fast and what shows have sold out. You’ll be based in Galway's City Centre and other locations where your expertise is required and will commit to an every-other-day schedule during the Festival.
Our volunteer programme also includes a variety of ad hoc roles which may vary each year.
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.
*Agreement and Certificate: If you’re accepted into the volunteer programme, we’ll ask you to sign a basic agreement. At the end of the programme, you’ll 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 and with its student volunteer programme, ALIVE.
Groups
If you're a leader of a school programme, theatre group, arts collective, corporation, society or voluntary agency and you would like your group to become involved, drop us a line at volunteers@giaf.ie.
Keep in touch
For more information about GIAF volunteers, email volunteers@giaf.ie. Also be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
