Volunteer — Strathearn Art Walk

Calling all creative minds and ready hands!

Strathearn Art Walk wouldn’t be possible without the help of our amazing volunteers! Every year, our team of dedicated, art-loving community members come together to create a fun, welcoming, and memorable experience for artists, vendors, and festivalgoers alike.

Whether you're looking to give back, meet new people, or gain event experience, volunteering at Strathearn Art Walk is a great way to be part of something special.

Volunteer registration opens June 1, 2025

Curious about our volunteer roles?

Our festival is the perfect volunteer experience for you. With opportunities to learn, grow, and imaginatively work alongside a team, there is a space for everyone. Try on our different positions below and find the right fit!

Volunteer shifts are flexible, and no experience is necessary!

i) Set Up Support: Working in teams, you will assist artists with finding their spots and assist in getting them ready for the event. Your role may involve helping artists unload, finding their spot, and reminding them to move their vehicle to allow more artists to access Strathearn Drive. Volunteers must be able to lift approximately 20 kg. You'll work directly with the Artist Registration Team Lead. (~4 hour shift, running from morning until noon.)
ii) Day Shift: You will help ensure our artists, performers, sponsors and more are having a great time. As you rotate around the site, you will communicate with our event partners, answer questions and help resolve any issues that arise. For example, artists working alone might need someone to watch their table while they use the washroom quickly or send you to grab them a cup of coffee. This position is encouraged for youth under the age of 16. (~4 hour shift for this role, running from noon until artist teardown.)
iii) Load-Out Support: Your role may involve helping artists load their artwork into their vehicles and reminding them to move their vehicles promptly to allow access for other artists. Volunteers must be able to lift approximately 20 kg. You'll work directly with the Artist Registration Team Lead. (~3 hour shift in the evenings.)
Volunteers 18 years or older, you are the eyes and ears of the festival! As an Event Ambassador, you will be the face of the Strathearn Art Walk welcoming all with a smile. You will be in the perfect position to greet patrons with a friendly smile and point people in the right direction or answer general site questions (armed with a site map and FAQs, of course). You will also be ensuring that alcoholic beverages do not leave the festival grounds and keeping a lookout for any safety issues. You must be 18 years of age or older to fulfill this role and will need to complete the free online ProTect course prior to the event. This is a 3-hour shift, running from morning until close.
For youth, ages 15 and under, Bike Lock Up Attendants will supervise the bicycle parking area so that they are secure. You are there to interact with individual Art Walk guests while providing safety and security for their bikes while they visit Art Walk. Consider this your opportunity to promote attendees about the variety of entertainment, activities and food/beverage that this festival has to offer. It is a 3-hour shift for this role, running from noon until closing.
For many, you’ll be the first friendly face they see at the festival! This is a great opportunity to let attendees know about the variety of entertainment, activities and food/beverage options at the festival. Consider yourself an Art Walk promoter and be ready with a map to point out all the great offerings at SAW!

Working with the support of the Beverage Team Leads, you'll keep a fresh stock of craft brews in our ice tubs, and serve alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to Art Walk attendees as well as the assortment of SAW merch for sale. With electronic payments through the Square app (no cash handling required), you will make sure our customers stay cool, refreshed and stocked up on swag.
Note: Please bring your smartphone to your shift, where we will provide training on the use of the Square app for processing payments.
You must be 18 years of age or older to fulfil this role, and it is strongly recommended that you complete and provide proof of your online ProServe certification.
Certification needs to be completed at least 15 days prior to the Art Walk. If you obtain ProServe specifically for Art Walk, email your receipt to volunteers@strathearnartwalk.com and we will reimburse you for the cost of the course (approx. $26.25). Keep in mind that this ProServe is valid for up to 5 years.
More information at:https://aglc.ca/training (3-4 hour shift for this role, running from noon until close.)
Working as a Volunteer Check-In Assistant, you'll be stationed at the volunteer headquarters to sign-in volunteers as they arrive. You'll make sure they are outfitted with the essentials such as t-shirts, name tags and any equipment for their jobs. You may also respond to requests for general event info and notify other relevant volunteers to resolve issues that arise. You will work directly with the Volunteer Team Leads. This position is encouraged for ages 16 and older. (~4 hour shift for this role, running from morning until artist teardown.)
As part of the Traffic team, you'll be responsible for controlling roadway traffic at access points to the site. Working in pairs, you'll allow access to permitted vehicles only, maintaining emergency road access and providing safe access for pedestrians and cyclists. You will inform individuals why parking restrictions are in place and direct them to where reserved event parking is available. You'll be supported by our Traffic Control Lead. Volunteers should be assertive, able to move a road barricade (lift up to 20 kg) and have good customer service skills.