Calling for Volunteers
The Sacred Amritsar, a festival of poetry, is presented by Sleepwell and produced by Teamwork Arts. Spread over 2 and a half days in the majestic and history-rich city of Amritsar, it celebrates mystic-poets and their timeless verse through a range of offerings for its Festival Delegates, including magical musical performances, specially-curated heritage walks, enriching conversations, delectable cuisine, and more.
To help orchestrate this festival, we invite eager and enthusiastic volunteers to become part of the Sacred Amritsar family. Volunteers play a crucial role in the festival's execution, and we are seeking individuals who are passionate, sincere, and dedicated to working behind the scenes while gaining valuable insights into production and hospitality. As a volunteer, you'll have the chance to collaborate closely with festival producers, performers, and artistes, along with fellow volunteers from diverse demographics and educational backgrounds, contributing to a memorable experience for everyone involved!
Before applying to be a volunteer for Sacred Amritsar 2024, please read the terms and conditions carefully:
- Registration for volunteering is open till 18th February 2024.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age. Those who have not turned 18 by 1st February 2024 are not eligible to apply.
- First preference when selecting volunteers will go to those residing in Amritsar or having accommodation arrangements in Amritsar.
- Ensure that the details you have entered are correct and read through the form thoroughly before submitting.
- Once shortlisted, we will schedule personal interviews for applicants residing in Amritsar and the same will be intimated via email. Skype/telephonic interviews will be conducted for volunteers who have worked with us for other festivals, those who are applying for the first time and those who are based in any city other than Amritsar.
- All chosen volunteers should be doubly vaccinated against COVId-19. It is mandatory to submit your vaccination certificate while applying.
- Teamwork Arts will not take care of travel, transport and accommodation of outstation volunteers. However, we will be happy to suggest some economical options for your convenience.
- The training and interview process is mandatory.
- Once you have been allotted a department, no changes will be made. You are expected to respect the outcome of our volunteer selection process. While you will be assigned a specific department, you may be required to double-up and take on additional roles when needed.
- We would appreciate a ten-day prior notice if any volunteer wishes to back out after they have been selected.
- The volunteers selected for the volunteer programme, who are not based in Amritsar, will be required to arrive in the city by the morning of 21st February 2024. The detailed venue walks, orientation, and team-building session will take place from 21st & 22nd February, followed by three days of the festival and a half-day volunteer wrap-up session.
- The festival begins at 8:00 AM and continues until 10:30 PM. Consequently, volunteers will be expected to work from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM (times are tentative and may vary for different departments). We strongly encourage all applicants to be available for the entire duration.
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner and/or refreshments will be provided during the festival. Volunteers are advised to carry basic refreshments like biscuits and fruits from home.
- All volunteers who are satisfactorily present throughout the training and festival days will receive a basic honorarium and certificate/letter of appreciation for their work after the festival.
Selected volunteers will be assigned specific departments and duties (at the discretion of the organisers); which are listed below. These duties may change according to the requirements of the festival. Please read carefully.
Logistics (Transport & Accommodation)
Volunteers will be in charge of taking care of the itineraries of each of the delegates and artistes, organising appropriate transportation between airport/railway station, festival venues and hotels, and handling their accommodation. Volunteers will be stationed at the airport and railway stations and might be required to work irregular hours. One of the most stimulating albeit most challenging departments, logistics, requires meticulous time-keeping and multitasking skills. Volunteers in this department must be quick thinkers and be able to tackle any problem(s) that may arise and be courteous at all times.
Venue Management
Volunteers will be responsible for ensuring that their respective venues are prepared before each performance. They will assist their venue manager in crowd management, ushering, green room coordination, and addressing any other tasks that may arise. Volunteers must ensure that all essential needs are met, including stocking green rooms with water and refreshments. Similar to other roles, it's important to be agile, patient, and polite. While you may have the privilege of enjoying performances by some of the country's finest musicians and artists from a front-row seat, your primary focus should be on ensuring the seamless operation of your venue.
Artiste Liaison
Volunteers will receive all performing artistes, assist them through the day, and ensure they are prepared and at the venue for their sound-check and performance. Being truly hospitable and warm, and making a concerted effort to fulfil every request from the artiste are the prime responsibilities of artiste-liaison volunteers. You will also be responsible for maintaining the atmosphere of the green room.
Delegate Management
The Delegate experience that is offered at the festival is one-of-its-kind. Volunteers will be assigned to each of our festival hotels and will be responsible for ensuring that Delegates are looked after. This includes manning the enquiry desk at the reception, closely working with the staff at the hotel, ensuring that their shuttles are ready, and escorting Delegates to their cabs rides, among other tasks.
Food and Beverage Management
Volunteers in the department will need to ensure that our green rooms are stocked with refreshments, venues provided with adequate bottles of water and meals laid out on time for artistes, delegates and crew. Volunteers will also need to help manage crowds during peak hours.
We look forward to receiving your applications and working with you!