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 (2)
See all- Spark Nights 2025WaterFire Arts Center, Providence, RI
Spark Nights
Try something new this year! Spark your interest in being a WaterFire Volunteer! Spark Nights are an interactive, fun, and social way to learn more about WaterFire, and Volunteer Opportunities. You'll hear from current WaterFire Volunteers, Barnaby Evans, and more. Join us and find something that ignites your passion!Spark Nights will be held at the WaterFire Arts Center from 6 PM to 8 PM on the following dates:
- Thursday, March 13th, 2025
- Thursday, April 24th, 2025
Spark Night overview:
- Welcome from WaterFire Staff
- Brief background information
- Conversation about volunteer opportunities
- Q & A with staff and volunteers
We offer opportunities for any skill set and interests whether you are more of a ‘behind the scenes’ person, enjoy socializing and talking to people, or just want to give back to the community. We hope you can join us! Reach out with any questions to volunteer@waterfire.org.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
Manager of Volunteer Programs and Internships:
Gary Saint Laurent c: 401-481-1469 - Gallery Flip TeamWaterFire Arts Center, Providence, RI
Gallery Flip Team!
The WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) is assembling a team of individuals who would like to help bring in a new gallery and reset the outgoing gallery!
For more information, click here!Roles and Responsibilities
Reset Team Members can do a variety of things depending on their interest and skills! We'll need help with things like:- Repairing, and painting the walls
- Art Work registration, inspection, and labeling
- Hanging and focusing the proper lighting
- Hanging new art
Hours
The Galleries change mostly from month to month with some variations. We'll reach out to everyone who signs up about what the needs are with the upcoming gallery!Thank you for supporting WaterFire Providence! We appreciate you.
