ISPA 2027 New York Congress | Volunteer Call

Volunteer Program

International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) is seeking individuals interested in volunteering for the New York 2027 ISPA Congress—Rising Voices, January 12 - 14, 2027.

Twice a year, ISPA Congresses bring together performing arts leaders from across the globe to discover the next great idea and strengthen relationships, fostering connection and exchange. Volunteering at the ISPA Congress is a great way for students and young professionals to experience the performing arts industry in a global context. Volunteers play a critical role in producing the Congress, which welcomes over 400 delegates from 50 countries annually.

Eligibility Criteria

Volunteers must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Under the age of 30
• Not employed full-time or part-time at an ISPA member organization
• Not currently employed full-time in the arts and culture sector
• Enrolled as either a full-time or part-time graduate or undergraduate student at an accredited institution (priority will be given to those studying arts administration or other arts-related field)
• Able to travel to ISPA Office (630 9th Avenue, Suite 213, New York, NY 10036) and The Times Center (242 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036)

Preferred, but not required:

• Currently working as an intern, either paid or unpaid, with an arts and culture organization

Volunteer Requirements & Benefits

In return for 15 hours of work prior to and/or during the Congress, volunteers will receive a complimentary Full Pass to the Congress, which provides access to the daily in-person sessions of the Congress programming.

Please note that your volunteer duties may preclude you from attending some sessions.

Complimentary registration does not include admission to the Opening unless working the events.

Volunteer tasks will include, but are not limited to:

• working at the registration desk
• checking in members
• running errands
• preparation, set-up, and break-down of the Congress

Volunteer Dates:

Orientation Saturday, January 09, 2027

Seminar Day Monday, January 11, 2027

Load-In Tuesday Morning, January 12, 2027

Congress Tuesday-Thursday, January 12-14, 2027

All volunteers are required to attend the Orientation on Saturday, January 09, 2027.

*Volunteers may work across up to four days between January 11 and January 14, 2027, with total committed shifts adding up to 15 hours (e.g., 01/11: 4.5 hours + 01/12: 5 hours + 01/13: 5.5 hours). Volunteers will have time to use their complimentary pass to participate in Congress programming.

Application Process

Volunteer Application Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026.

Application Status Announcement: Monday, December 07, 2026 at the latest.

Submit your application here

You can also find all Volunteer Program information at the link.

If you have any questions about volunteering with ISPA, please contact Vivianne Liang at intern@ispa.org.