**The 2027 DesignTO Call for Volunteers will open in the fall**
Volunteer with DesignTO, a registered charitable arts organization best known for its annual DesignTO Festival, January 22—31, 2027. Join us in advancing 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
Assistant Marketing Coordinator
The Assistant Marketing Coordinator, you will work closely with the Head of Marketing and Marketing + Communications team to support the promotion of the DesignTO Festival and year-round initiatives.
Volunteer Coordinator
The Volunteer Coordinator plays an important role in supporting the planning, coordination, and delivery of our volunteer program, helping to engage and support more than 100 volunteers throughout the Festival season.
For inquiries regarding year-round volunteer positions, please contact [email protected]
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 enjoy engaging with people. DesignTO relies on audience feedback to better understand our community and demonstrate our impact to funders and partners. The data collected through surveys helps support future programming, charitable initiatives, and 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
**The 2027 DesignTO Call for Volunteers will open in the fall**
2027 Volunteer Expression of Interest Form TBA
*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
**The 2027 DesignTO Call for Volunteers will open in the fall**
2027 Volunteer Expression of Interest Form TBA
*Volunteer Memberships include all benefits available to Individual Members with the exception of the AZURE Magazine Digital Subscription.
Key Dates
2026
Call for volunteers:
- October – December
Shift signup orientation:
- December
Shift signup launch:
- December
2027
In-Person Volunteer Orientation:
- January
DesignTO Festival:
- January 21 – 31, 2027
