Through our public programming and the help of our volunteers, we curate exhibitions, presentations and educational programming to increase the public’s knowledge and appreciation of design and its role in creating a viable, just and joyful world. If you’re interested in networking, design, art, event planning, and customer service, we invite you to express your interest via the form links below. 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. It is vital to collect demographic information from attendees, which DesignTO uses to understand its audience better.

Event Registration
This role requires a friendly disposition to check in registered attendees as they arrive at an event.

*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, we invite you to express your interest via the form link below. 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*.

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.

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’re interested, please email [email protected] with a link to your portfolio.

*Volunteer Memberships include all benefits available to Individual Members with the exception of the AZURE Magazine Digital Subscription.

The following volunteer opportunities are for die-hard fans of DesignTO and typically involve year-round commitment for an average of 4 hours per week.

Volunteer Content Writer

Working with the Editorial Manager and Head of Marketing, the Content Writer writes and produces meaningful content across DesignTO’s digital platforms to support the goals of the Festival and create a rich digital library. The Content Writer creates, edits, updates, and delivers comprehensive, enriching, and interactive web content to targeted audiences. 

Please send your CV and a writing sample to Michael Madjus, Head of Marketing at [email protected]