Festival Volunteers

Abandon Normal Devices is seeking for volunteers to join the AND Festival, which is taking place between Fri 18-20 September 2015 in Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District.

Working in collaboration with the Forestry Commission England’s Forest Art Works programme we are transforming the forest into an exhilarating and illuminating retreat that will reveal the secret architecture of the forest through a programme of artworks, experiences, trails and film happenings. The festival is the biggest event in our calendar and volunteering provides an exciting opportunity to work on a dynamic festival of ground-breaking art, digital culture and new cinema, set in the beautiful surroundings of Grizedale.

Volunteers are crucial members of the AND team and without them we would not be able to run events on the scale and level of ambition we do. As part of the volunteer team you will enjoy a number of benefits, including:

• The chance to experience the festival programme, including receiving free tickets

• The opportunity to meet international artists, as well as staff & fellow volunteers
• The chance to develop skills in teamworking, communication & interacting with members of the public of all ages
• Gaining experience in more specialist roles such as marketing or installing outdoor artworks
• Working alongside & learn about different organisations such as The Forestry Commission & Forest Artworks
• Learning about the implementation of Creative Technology in Arts Projects
• AND Festival T-shirt to keep as a momento

Volunteer Roles

Volunteer roles for the festival include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

• stewarding
• ushering
• information assistance
• events management (including the set up and clearing of events)
• market research (conducting surveys, gathering public feedback, interviewing)
• assisting with artwork install and de-install

Skills/qualifications required

No particular skills or qualifications are required to volunteer for the festival, however experience with some of the following would be desirable for certain roles:

• Recording and documentation of events / editing recorded material (requires tech experience, ability to use cameras, mics, etc. and knowledge of editing software).
• Assisting with install and de-install of artworks (tbc; requires working prior to and after the festival).
• Digital media, updating website content and social media management.
• Market research / Audience Evaluation

Travel & Accommodation

The festival is located in Grizedale Forest in a very beautiful, but remote location in the heart of the heart of the Lake District in Cumbria. As the site is remote and public transport to the site is infrequent, if there is a demand from volunteers we will look at providing travel assistance over the weekend – especially for those who don’t live locally to Cumbria.

Shifts

Ideally you will be able to commit to 3 full shifts (approx. 8 hours) during the festival, however please still apply even if your availability is less than this.

We will also need some assistance prior to & after the festival, so please indicate on your application form if you are available to spare some time outside of 18-20 September & would like to help.

Training

All volunteers will have to attend a training and briefing session – either in Manchester on Saturday 5 September 2015 or in Grizedale on Saturday 12th September. Additional training required for more specialist roles will be provided by a member of the team during the festival.

Applying
Please fill in our ONLINE APPLICATION FORM. Please note: The deadline for volunteers requiring accommodation has now closed. The deadline for applicants who do not require accommodation is Monday 14th September.

We encourage applicants to complete an Equal opportunities form. These are treated confidentially & will have no bearing on your application which will be stored separately.

If you need any further information please email joanna@andfestival.org.uk