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Volunteer

Sept 18-Oct 4

Every year, ArtPrize volunteers help welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to Grand Rapids, turning our city into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection.

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It’s you, our dedicated volunteers, who bring the energy, warmth, and heart that make ArtPrize such a memorable experience. You don’t just support the event, you make it the place to be every fall!

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Sign Up!

Sign up to volunteer at Arborialis, a featured ArtPrize Experience created by UK-based Architects of Air. This large-scale inflatable sculpture—known as a luminarium—blends light, color, and nature-inspired architecture to create an unforgettable, walkable art experience. Sign up today to help us make this once-in-a-lifetime experience come to life – shifts are going fast!

Arborialis - available volunteer shifts:


Friday, Sept 19th
Saturday, Sept 20th
Sunday, Sept 21st
Tuesday, Sept 23rd
Wednesday, Sept 24th
Thursday, Sept 25th
Friday, Sept 26th
Sunday, Sept 28th
Tuesday, Sept 30th
Wednesday, Oct 1st
Thursday, Oct 2nd
Friday, Oct 3rd
Saturday, Oct 4th

Please note Arborialis requires in-person training. In-person training dates/times are:
9/18 at 2 + 5:30pm, 9/23 at 6:30-7:30p, 9/27 at 9a, and 10/1 at 9:30a.

Sign up for your training by clicking the button below.

    Arborialis trainings

    View all Volunteer Opportunities

    find all available volunteer opportunities below:

      How it works

      • Review our volunteer opportunities - PDF

      • Signup + choose your first shift
      • Come to an optional, pre-orientation meet-up to connect with fellow volunteers
      • Attend an in-person or virtual orientation
      • Start making an impact!

      Why get involved?

      ● Community impact- volunteer alongside community organizations like the Grand Rapids Public Museum and Grandville Avenue Arts and Humanities

      ● Connect with like-minded individuals- join the hundreds of volunteers that make ArtPrize possible

      ● Experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities-like Arborialis

      ● Receive volunteer-exclusive SWAG- depending on the number of shifts you complete:
      -1 Shift: ArtPrize Volunteer T-Shirt
      -2 Shifts: All previous + 2025 Enamel Pin
      -3 Shifts: All previous + SWAG Bag
      -4+ Shifts: All previous + Raffle Entry to Win VIP Tickets to Awards Ceremony

      ● Attend a volunteer-only event in November (details coming soon!)

        Important Dates

        ● Meet ups: 

        -8/22 Morning Ritual at 5:30PM
        -8/27 Quickwater at 2:30PM
        -9/4 ArtPrize ClubHouse (40 Pearl St) at 5:30PM

        ● In-person orientations at the ArtPrize ClubHouse (40 Pearl St):

        -Sept. 5, 5:30–7PM
        -Sept. 6, 11AM–12:30PM
        -Sept. 12, 5:30–7PM
        -Sept. 13, 11AM–12:30PM

          Can't attend an in-person orientation?
          Training video

          Watch the training video below (or click the link to view on YouTube).

          View the Volunteer slide deck (PDF)

          Orientation Deck

          FAQS

          What is the time commitment to becoming a volunteer?

          All volunteers are required to attend an orientation session. After this, our volunteers can sign up for as few or as many shifts as they would like. ArtPrize does offer a tiered reward system for volunteer hours worked, starting with a volunteer t-shirt after you finish your orientation! Special recognition is also given to our most involved volunteers. 

          Are there any age requirements to volunteer?

          To independently volunteer, you must be 18 or older and be willing to complete a background check to apply. If accompanied by a chaperone or guardian, and pre-approved by our Volunteer Manager, individuals under 18 may apply to volunteer. For more information on this, please email volunteer@artprize.org

          What should I bring to my shift?

          Bring yourself, your volunteer t-shirt, a water bottle, and any personal items you may need to stay comfortable and supported throughout your shift. We recommend that you leave any bags, purses, or valuables in your vehicle or at the ArtPrize ClubHouse to ensure the safety of your items.

          **Note: ArtPrize is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

          What roles are accommodating for volunteers with differing abilities? 

          All of our roles can be made accessible to volunteers of all abilities. If you have any specific needs, please let us know during the registration process. We’re happy to work with you to find a role and provide the support or modifications needed to ensure you have a comfortable and rewarding experience.

          Do I need experience to volunteer for any of the available shifts?

          No prior experience is necessary to volunteer for any of the available shifts. We provide all the training and support you’ll need to feel confident in your role. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to help!

            Stay in touch

            Interested in volunteering with ArtPrize? We are always looking for volunteers with year round opportunities to get involved with the organization! 

            Leave your mark, pave your path, support artists from all over the globe by volunteering with us. 

            For the latest and greatest opportunities sign up for our email list! 

            Questions? Contact volunteer@artprize.org.

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              Volunteer Program - Presenting Sponsor:

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