Volunteer with DesignTO, a non-profit arts organization best known for its annual DesignTO Festival. Help us 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 our volunteers’ continued support who help 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 and increase your sense of community belonging
- Gain work experience and/or volunteer hours
If you would like to volunteer for the DesignTO Festival, click on the button below
If you’re interested in networking, design, art, event planning, and customer service. 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. As a nonprofit, it is vital to collect information from attendees, which DesignTO uses to understand its audience better and support government funding.
Event Registration
This role requires a friendly, calm, and quick disposition to check in registered attendees as they arrive at an event.
If you would like to volunteer for the DesignTO Festival, click on the button below
*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 this is the role for you. Most volunteer shifts occur on weekdays (evenings) and weekends (during the day and evening).
Every volunteer who successfully and professionally completes a volunteer shift will receive a complimentary DesignTO Volunteer Membership.*
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.
If you would like to volunteer for the DesignTO Festival, click on the button below
*Volunteer Memberships include all benefits available to Individual Members with the exception of the AZURE Magazine Digital Subscription.
At present, we are not looking to fill any year-round volunteer positions.
Key Dates
2025
Call for volunteers:
- October – December
Shift signup orientation:
- December
Shift signup launch:
- December
2026
In-Person Volunteer Orientation:
- January
DesignTO Festival:
- January 23 – February 1, 2026
