Background
The 2022 Manchester Art Fair was a significant success, which is why, in 2023, we will need assistance to maximize the positive public perception of the event. The organization is committed to inclusively promoting interest in fine arts. Thus, children and adults can witness activities related to the event and various works by different artists, and participate in art events during the fair. The event’s mission is to create an environment where various individuals become familiar with local artists and become involved in the area’s cultural life. Volunteers will have the opportunity to become an essential part of the event by assisting the fair organizers and the visitors in their quest to learn more about art.
Organization History and Background
Volunteers will be assigned various tasks directly associated with the importance of the event. The cultural background of the fair dates back to 2008, yet it is specific that the festival has grown to become one of the most influential events outside London (Manchester Art Fair, 2022). With more than 13,000 visitors and over 135 artists exhibiting their works, our volunteers can witness and become a part of a significant national phenomenon in which art lovers share their interests and showcase their skills. Moreover, the fair artist section for the upcoming 2023 Manchester Art Fair, between the 17th and 19th of November, has already sold out. As a result, we expect our volunteers to have numerous opportunities to undertake various tasks that will greatly assist the event organizers and artists, and generate positive associations and experiences during their work.
Mission and Programs
As the recruitment process has been successfully implemented and the volunteers have been selected, it is essential to provide a more detailed overview of the mission and programs associated with the event. Volunteers will get various tasks related to the program, department, or sector to which they will be assigned. The activities include greeting visitors in a friendly and welcoming manner, helping with inquiries regarding the fair, providing information, monitoring visitor inflow, and ensuring the event areas are clean and tidy.
Moreover, our volunteers will instruct visitors on activities they can participate in during the various workshops that will be organized. The exact missions and programs will only be determined during the fair itself, as an assessment will be performed on areas that require more assistance and visitor inflow. Volunteers can ask the coordinator any questions they may have.
We will ensure that the volunteers’ experience is pleasant by determining their potential areas of interest, so we can assign them objectives that correlate with their preferences. As they have decided to volunteer their time to assist the 2023 Manchester Art Fair organizers, we will ensure that the previously mentioned aspects of their work are closely followed to minimize potential barriers and create a welcoming environment for them.
Schedule and Remuneration
By signing up, volunteers have become familiar with the event, its mission, and specific organizational traits. The fair will take place from November 17th to 19th, 2023. Volunteers will operate within the fair for three days during the art shows and exhibitions. Each day correlates with a remuneration of £30.
Although the activities are classified as volunteering, we believe that the monetary reward will have a positive impact on individuals who decide to assist the event organizers. Moreover, participants are not required to incur any expenses related to their work, unless they choose to invest in an existing art piece. Nonetheless, we can ensure that volunteers are not expected to fund the organization implementing the fair or have unexpected expenses related to volunteer work during the dates of the exhibitions.
The event will take place between Friday and Sunday. On Friday, the fair operates between 5 PM and 9 PM. Volunteers are expected to arrive at 4 PM for initial instructions, preparation, and similar activities.
Moreover, the end of the shift is 10 PM, an hour after the workshop closes. The hour will be designated for cleaning and preparing the areas for the next day. During the weekend, the fair’s schedule changes, with active hours between 10:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Similarly, volunteers will arrive an hour earlier and leave an hour later. As a result, the volunteer schedule for the upcoming program is 4 PM to 10 PM on Friday (November 17th) and 9 PM to 6 PM on Saturday and Sunday (November 18th and 19th).
Organizational Aspects and Code of Conduct
We believe that implementing specific frameworks and guidelines is essential for the event to become a positive experience for all attendees, including visitors, artists, and volunteers. As a result, we can ensure a safe and welcoming environment that is inclusive and based on ethical values. The volunteer uniforms will be provided on the first day of introduction.
Moreover, the code of conduct includes interacting with visitors, other volunteers, and workers. To maintain an amicable environment, we focus on avoiding potential conflicts by employing a warm and welcoming approach toward professionalism. This will maximize volunteers’ positive experiences as a volunteer and create an inclusive space for other employees, artists, visitors, and fellow volunteer members.
What to Expect
Although volunteers have already signed up for the program, they will likely have multiple questions about the tasks they are to perform, the environment, and the event itself. The volunteer coordinator will answer all inquiries. Still, we are committed to creating a positive environment for the people who are ready to assist the event organizers with their time.
Volunteers will be informed of all the nuances of their objectives and receive assistance with each organizational matter. We will work towards minimizing misunderstandings and providing clear and comprehensive instructions on their tasks. Moreover, volunteers can expect to become familiar with local art and interact with like-minded people.
By the end of the fair, volunteers will receive more knowledge not only on the subject of the workshop but also on event management and coordination. Thus, both personal and professional goals can be achieved during the volunteering program. As a result of the three days of operating within the 2023 Manchester Art Fair, volunteers will have the opportunity to be involved in the area’s cultural life, gain professional insight, and become closer to the world of art.
Reference
Manchester Art Fair. (2022). Exhibit at Manchester Art Fair.