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- Visitor Support and Store Clerk VolunteerWaterFire Arts Center, Providence, RI
Visitor Support and Store Clerk Volunteer, WaterFire Arts Center Store Qualifications and Training
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) welcomes individuals with customer service and/or retail experience who are looking to further engage with the WaterFire community. We are always looking for friendly, outgoing people with excellent communication skills and an ability and desire to work with diverse visitors. All volunteers receive a training session by staff, so an art background is not necessary.
About WaterFire Providence
WaterFire Providence is an independent nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to inspire Providence and its visitors by revitalizing the urban experience, fostering community engagement and creatively transforming the city by presenting WaterFire for all to enjoy. The WaterFire Arts Center presents the opportunity for WaterFire to further engage with the community by hosting events, activities, presentations and art installations throughout the year. We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help assist with daily operations as a front desk receptionist and retail store representative. In this position you will be the first point of contact for visitors entering the WaterFire Arts Center.
Roles and Responsibilities- Greeting and directing visitors to appropriate locations
- Creating a positive and educational experience for visitors
- Answering the main WaterFire phone line
- Providing information about the organization
- Assisting customers with purchases
- Using Square register to complete all retail transactions
- Restocking merchandise and maintaining store appearance
Benefits of Becoming a Visitor Support and Store Clerk Volunteer
Visitor Support and Store Clerks participate in satisfying experiences working with all visitors from children, college students, and community members while they expand their understanding of local art and artists, current art exhibits, retail and so much more.Wednesdays OR Thursdays from 1:30pm - 5:30 pm. Interested people can email Volunteer@WaterFire.org for more information
- Mock Dock Day129 Dyer St, Providence, RI
Think of this as a "Dress Rehearsal", meets Orientation, meets walking tour!
We'll start the day with an overview of volunteering in the volunteer check in area, then progress to learning about On Shore Stations, the history of Providence, all things WaterFire and so much more! We will also end with a Mock Torch Procession and a Mock Boat Procession for our Captains in Training.We offer opportunities for any skill set and interests whether you are more of a ‘behind the scenes’ person, enjoy socializing and talking to people, or just want to give back to the community. We hope you can join us! Reach out with any questions to volunteer@waterfire.org.
Manager of Volunteer Programs and Internships:
Gary Saint Laurent c: 401-481-1469
