What we’re about
Creating Community Through Art | Become a WaterFire Providence Volunteer
Each WaterFire Providence lighting needs the support of 150+ volunteers to bring the art to life. Our incredible team of volunteers accomplish an enormous variety of tasks from morning through evening, showcasing the Providence community’s tenacity. Some opportunities involve being on the water keeping fire’s brightly lit, some involve greeting visitors, and some revolve more around lifting, pulling, pushing and heaving WaterFire’s physical setup into readiness. Our event days are exciting and fast-paced, with an ever-present helping hand from staff and experience volunteers alike.
WaterFire Providence volunteers represent “everyman”, the traditional Greek Chorus and our communal spirit. Dressed in all black at nightfall, the volunteers create an unobtrusive and ceremonial communal presence, and partake in creating WaterFire. Black attire helps us be a part of the night, but faces are not masked so that we can celebrate the individuals who come together to build community.
Between lightings, there are more fun activities for volunteers. Potluck dinners, parties, outings, and projects go on throughout the year. On the off-season, volunteers help with boat building and repairs, mechanical tasks, fundraising, preparations for the next season, and the occasional special project like sewing or online research.
We welcome you to join us and discover just how much excitement and fun there is in producing such a unique and exciting event! Whether you are a “behind the scenes” kind of person, want to shine in a larger role, or you simply want to experience WaterFire from a new perspective, we would love for you to join us.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- WaterFire Brazier Build Crew! 6.1.24129 Dyer St, Providence, RI
Want to be part of the Morning Build Crew? Sign up at Morning Build Crew
Help build the braziers (metal baskets on the river) that will set the city alight at sunset. You will get the chance to hop aboard a WaterFire wood boat and help artistically construct the braziers. You will with use cardboard, newspaper and other fire fuse materials in the center of the brazier and build a 'tepee' of firewood around the fire fuse materials. After all braziers on the river are built you will help reload firewood into the boats for the evening feeds. (Great for groups!) Afterwards enjoy lunch with your crew and the WaterFire staff.
WaterFire Volunteer Attire:
- Comfortable clothing you can work in and do not mind getting dirty
- Mask optional – WaterFire will have black masks on site
- Closed toe shoes – there are many areas with cobblestone and equipment to protect your feet from
Suggestion: No large personal items and weather appropriate clothing
New! WaterFire ditches the plastic water bottle this season! Last season we eliminated the plastic from constructing the braziers and this season we want to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift and you will be able to refill on site.
*Check in time subject to change slightly*
- WaterFire Main Merch Crew! 6.1.24129 Dyer St, Providence, RI
Interested in being part of the Merch Crew? Sign up Merch Crew
Co-lead the Main Merchandise station and help guests go home with memories from the event! This role involves interacting with guests, handling cash, and using a tablet.
WaterFire Volunteer Attire:
- All black head to toe – you are a part of the art!
- Black mask optional – WaterFire will have black masks on site
- Closed toe shoes – there are many areas with cobblestone
Suggestion: No large personal items and weather appropriate clothing
New! WaterFire ditches the plastic water bottle this season! Last season we eliminated the plastic from constructing the braziers and this season we want to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift and you will be able to refill on site.
*Check in time subject to change slightly*
- WaterFire Ambassadors of Light! 6.1.24129 Dyer St, Providence, RI
Want to be a host of WaterFire? Sign up at Ambassador of Light
Come in the evening for the WaterFire Lighting and interact with the public by creating a welcoming environment at one of our many stations on shore. If you are looking for a fun, social opportunity this is the position for you. Be prepared to hand out carnations, stickers or other items displayed on the table in return for a donation to keep the fires burning.
WaterFire Volunteer Attire:
- All black head to toe – you are a part of the art!
- Black mask optional – WaterFire will have black masks on site
- Closed toe shoes – there are many areas with cobblestone
Suggestion: No large personal items and weather appropriate clothing
New! WaterFire ditches the plastic water bottle this season! Last season we eliminated the plastic from constructing the braziers and this season we want to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift and you will be able to refill on site.
*Check in time subject to change slightly*
- Starry, Starry Night Team! 06.01.24129 Dyer St, Providence, RI
Want to make wishes come true? Sign up at: Starry Starry Night
Visitors to WaterFire can “wish upon a star” of their own at this magical installation in Memorial Park where large blue paper star lanterns are nestled in the treetops of this dark and dreamy grove. Volunteers are needed to help welcome visitors, assist in hanging stars, and placing Luminaria lanterns where they are needed. This is a quiet, yet busy location; volunteers can expect frequent interactions with visitors. (Great for groups!)
WaterFire Volunteer Attire:
- All black head to toe – you are a part of the art!
- Black mask optional – WaterFire will have black masks on site
- Closed toe shoes – there are many areas with cobblestone
Suggestion: No large personal items and weather appropriate clothing
New! WaterFire ditches the plastic water bottle this season! Last season we eliminated the plastic from constructing the braziers and this season we want to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift and you will be able to refill on site.
*Check in time subject to change slightly*
