BIENNIAL 2024 VOLUNTEERING

Experience the FotoFest Biennial 2024, Critical Geography, as a volunteer! Join the team behind the exhibitions and events—no experience needed. Scroll down to read volunteer descriptions.

Volunteer for:

  • Events and receptions
  • Exhibition installation
  • Live Auction and Gala
  • The Meeting Place Portfolio Review
  • Youth Open House Field Trips
  • FotoFun Drop-In Workshops

Visit Internships for paid internship opportunities. Visit Employment Opportunities for part-time Gallery Attendant positions. Questions? Email volunteers@fotofest.org.

VOLUNTEERING PERKS

COMPLETE ONE OR MORE SHIFTS

1. Receive an invitation to both FotoFest Volunteer Parties in May and December.
2. Receive one book of your choice*. Pick from:

  • Biennial 2022 catalogue If I Had a Hammer
  • Biennial 2018 catalogue INDIA: Contemporary Photographic and New Media Art
  • Velvet Generation with essays by Anne Wilkes Tucker, Steven Evans, and Miroslav Ambroz

COMPLETE FIVE SHIFTS

1. Receive one Biennial 2024 Critical Geography tshirt*.

*while supplies last

Important: Alcohol is present for guests during many events. As a representative of FotoFest, volunteers are not permitted to consume alcohol during their volunteer shifts. Refusal to abide by this policy will result in immediate removal from current and future volunteer shifts with FotoFest.

VOLUNTEERING SHIFTS

RECEPTIONS

Critical Geography Opening Night

Saturday, March 9, Silver and Winter Street Studios
6–8 PM | VIP Opening
8–11 PM | Public Opening 

60 Volunteers needed:
March 9, 5:30–8:30 PM; 8–11 PM

Duties include monitoring artwork, greeting and counting guests, checking in VIPs, assisting with VIP buses, and noting the arrival of city officials and consular corps. Volunteers will meet at the FotoFest Office and are welcome to join the party before and after their shifts (no alcohol before assigned shifts).

Ten by Ten Exhibition Opening

Saturday, March 16, 6–8 PM, Silos at Sawyer Yards
10 Volunteers needed

Duties include monitoring artwork, greeting and counting guests, checking in VIPs, assisting with VIP buses, and noting the arrival of city officials and Consular Corps. Volunteers will meet at the FotoFest Office and are welcome to join the party before and after their shifts (no alcohol before assigned shifts).

YOUTH OPEN HOUSE FIELD TRIPS

April 2–19, 10 AM–1 PM, Sawyer Yards
3 Volunteers needed:
Tuesday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

The Learning Program will host tours and workshops in the gallery for current students and area schools.

Duties include setting up, breaking down, and supporting activities at the workshop station, greeting field trip groups, and keeping students moving through the exhibition space. 30–100+ students will participate during each field trip.

Interested? Email the FotoFest Learning Program directly at ltp@fotofest.org.

FOTOFUN DROP-IN WORKSHOPS

April 13, 10 AM—1 PM, Sawyer Yards
4 Volunteers needed

FotoFun Drop-In Workshops are the Learning Program’s free family fun. In conjunction with the April Second Saturday Open Studios at Sawyer Yards, workshop stations with photographic activities connected to the Critical Geography exhibition will be set up for youth and adult participation.

Duties include setting up tables, chairs, and stations, supporting activities, directing youth and families during the event, and breaking down the event.

Interested? Email the FotoFest Learning Program directly at ltp@fotofest.org.

LIVE AUCTION AND GALA

Saturday, March 16, 6–8 PM, Silos at Sawyer Yards
10 Volunteers needed

Duties include monitoring artwork, greeting and counting guests, checking in VIPs, assisting with VIP buses, and noting the arrival of city officials and Consular Corps. Volunteers will meet at the FotoFest Office and are welcome to join the party before and after their shifts (no alcohol before assigned shifts).

THE MEETING PLACE

MEETING PLACE PORTFOLIO REVIEWS
March 8–19, The Hangar at Silver Street Studios
59 Volunteers needed:
March 8, 1–5 PM
March 9, 9 AM–12 PM; 1–4 PM
March 10–13, 8:30 AM–12 PM; 1–4 PM
March 14, 10 AM–1 PM; 1–5 PM
March 15, 8:30 AM–12:45 PM; 12:30–5 PM
March 16–19, 8:30 AM–12 PM, 1–4 PM

UNFILTERED: PORTFOLIO WALKS
March 11 and 18, The Hangar at Silver Street Studios
6 Volunteers needed:
March 11, 4–7 PM
March 18, 4–7 PM

BUS TOURS
March 9, 12–13, and 17, The Hangar at Silver Street Studios and various locations around Houston
10 Volunteers needed:
March 9, 5–8:30 PM; 7:30–11 PM
March 12–13, 5-8:30 PM
March 17, 5-8:30 PM

Duties include welcoming and checking in participants, ensuring the portfolio review room runs smoothly, supporting professional development seminars and bus tours*, setting up portfolio walk events, and helping with various administrative duties. Good interpersonal skills and a welcoming attitude are essential. If you love photography, meeting artists, and interacting with people from all over the world, the Meeting Place is for you

*Bus tour duties require riding with Meeting Place participants as they tour galleries in the evening. Willingness to interact with and “corral” large groups of people (50–100) is essential. Must be able to easily get on and off a charter bus and stand for an hour at a time in the exhibition spaces. Knowledge of Houston's culture, history, and streets is a plus. Interested volunteers will receive a bus schedule ahead of time.