Volunteers needed for drama festival

Looking for a career in events management or just fancy helping out on a dynamic festival which attracts an international audience? Tower Hamlets Council is looking for a team of enthusiastic volunteers of all ages to work with the Council’s Arts and Events team to deliver a unique theatre festival in November.

“Volunteering” is not necessarily a good thing.  David Cameron has been promoting it as a way of delivering services – probably because he does not understand the difference between “volunteering” (helping out for free) and the “voluntary sector” (organisations which deliver services via workers who are paid). “Volunteering” is not that far from concepts like “interns”, young people (usually students) who work for free. Every effort has to be made to ensure that schemes, particularly in the public sector, are not using volunteers where they should be using paid workers. However, volunteers who help out with the Council’s festival will, in return, learn practical skills in events management, front of house, hospitality, artist liaison and customer liaison plus much more. The experience should therefore be a good thing to add to a CV for those who are looking for a career in arts administration.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “We have a thriving arts scene in Tower Hamlets and A Season of Bangla Drama is one of our flagship cultural events which celebrates new writing and promotes the wealth of talent we have in the borough.”

Cllr Shafiqul Haque, Cabinet Member for Culture added: “Volunteering is a great way to gain valuable experience to help our residents secure jobs. I hope residents will apply to be a part of this popular festival.”

Rajia Khan, Volunteer Development Co-ordinator, said: “Volunteering is a two-way process. Equally, taking part in such a high calibre and culturally diverse arts programme will provide an enriching and rewarding experience.”

Volunteers are needed every weekend throughout November and travel expenses will be reimbursed.

To apply send in your CV and a covering letter to Rajia Khan at rajia.khan@towerhamlets.gov.uk. The deadline for submissions is 11th August.