What we’re about
Creating Community Through Art | Become a WaterFire Providence Volunteer
Each WaterFire Providence lighting needs the support of 150+ volunteers to bring the art to life. Our incredible team of volunteers accomplish an enormous variety of tasks from morning through evening, showcasing the Providence community’s tenacity. Some opportunities involve being on the water keeping fire’s brightly lit, some involve greeting visitors, and some revolve more around lifting, pulling, pushing and heaving WaterFire’s physical setup into readiness. Our event days are exciting and fast-paced, with an ever-present helping hand from staff and experience volunteers alike.
WaterFire Providence volunteers represent “everyman”, the traditional Greek Chorus and our communal spirit. Dressed in all black at nightfall, the volunteers create an unobtrusive and ceremonial communal presence, and partake in creating WaterFire. Black attire helps us be a part of the night, but faces are not masked so that we can celebrate the individuals who come together to build community.
Between lightings, there are more fun activities for volunteers. Potluck dinners, parties, outings, and projects go on throughout the year. On the off-season, volunteers help with boat building and repairs, mechanical tasks, fundraising, preparations for the next season, and the occasional special project like sewing or online research.
We welcome you to join us and discover just how much excitement and fun there is in producing such a unique and exciting event! Whether you are a “behind the scenes” kind of person, want to shine in a larger role, or you simply want to experience WaterFire from a new perspective, we would love for you to join us.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- WaterFire Brazier Build Crew! 11.2.24129 Dyer St, Providence, RI
Want to be part of the Build Crew? Sign up at Build Crew
Help build the braziers (metal baskets on the river) that will set the city alight at sunset. You will get the chance to hop aboard a WaterFire wood boat and help artistically construct the braziers. You will with use cardboard, newspaper and other fire fuse materials in the center of the brazier and build a 'tepee' of firewood around the fire fuse materials. After all braziers on the river are built you will help reload firewood into the boats for the evening feeds. (Great for groups!) Afterwards enjoy lunch with your crew and the WaterFire staff.
WaterFire Volunteer Attire:
- Comfortable clothing you can work in and do not mind getting dirty
- Mask optional – WaterFire will have black masks on site
- Closed toe shoes – there are many areas with cobblestone and equipment to protect your feet from
Suggestion: No large personal items and weather appropriate clothing
New! WaterFire ditches the plastic water bottle this season! Last season we eliminated the plastic from constructing the braziers and this season we want to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift and you will be able to refill on site.
*Check in time subject to change slightly*
- WaterFire Fire Tender! 11.2.2024129 Dyer St, Providence, RI
Interested in being a Fire tender? Sign up here: Fire Tender
Jump Aboard a WaterFire Wood Boat and be a part of the art! You will receive a safety speech from the Captain/First Mate/Captain in Training to start. You will be part of the lighting procession, then every 20 minutes (give or take) you will place logs onto braziers to rekindle fires, reload firewood into the boat from under bridges, and work with fellow crew members to uphold the artistic integrity of the installation. This is a quiet performance, symbolizing the affect and influence of a community when individuals work together.
NOTE: You will be very close to the fires in order to gently place the logs into the brazier so they continue to burn throughout the evening.
WaterFire Volunteer Attire:
- 100% cotton – you will be in very close proximity to the lit fires! *Flammable materials such as nylon and polyester burn slowly, but melt when doing so and can cause molten residue.*
- All black head to toe – you are a part of the art!
- Closed toe shoes – protect your feet from
- Black mask – WaterFire will have black masks on site
- Wood working gloves – WaterFire will provide gloves if you do not have a pair
Suggestion: Protective eyewear, water proof cell phone pouch, no large personal items and weather appropriate clothing
New! WaterFire ditches the plastic water bottle this season! Last season we eliminated the plastic from constructing the braziers and this season we want to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift and you will be able to refill on site.
(This volunteer opportunity is 18+)
*Check in time subject to change slightly*
- WaterFire Main Merch Crew! 11.2.24129 Dyer St, Providence, RI
Interested in being part of the Merch Crew? Sign up Merch Crew
Co-lead the Main Merchandise station and help guests go home with memories from the event! This role involves interacting with guests, handling cash, and using a tablet.
WaterFire Volunteer Attire:
- All black head to toe – you are a part of the art!
- Black mask optional – WaterFire will have black masks on site
- Closed toe shoes – there are many areas with cobblestone
Suggestion: No large personal items and weather appropriate clothing
New! WaterFire ditches the plastic water bottle this season! Last season we eliminated the plastic from constructing the braziers and this season we want to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift and you will be able to refill on site.
*Check in time subject to change slightly*
- WaterFire Special Ops Team Members 11.2.2024129 Dyer St, Providence, RI
Want to be part of Special Ops? Sign up at Special Ops
Special Ops volunteers are one-part ceremony leaders and one-part crowd control -- and they get the best seat in the house. Our torch processions vary in size from 16 torches to a couple hundred, and they are always different. Some celebrate Chinese culture, some honor veterans or cancer survivors, and some remember local history. Being a Special Ops volunteer helps us ensure these processions go off without a hitch.
WaterFire Volunteer Attire:
- All black head to toe, no open toed shoes.
- Mask optional
Suggestion: No large personal items and weather appropriate clothing
New! WaterFire ditches the plastic water bottle this season! Last season we eliminated the plastic from constructing the braziers and this season we want to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. We ask that you please bring a reusable water bottle to your shift and you will be able to refill on site.
(This volunteer opportunity is 18+)
*Check in time subject to change*