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Volunteer Program 

ISPA is seeking individuals interested in volunteering for the ISPA 2026 New York Congress—Resilience: A Global Dialogue, January 13-15, 2026.

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 be under the age of 30 and not employed full-time or part-time at an ISPA member organization. It is preferred, but not required, that volunteers are currently working as an intern, either paid or unpaid, with an arts and culture organization. Volunteers must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• 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);
• Not currently employed full-time in the arts and culture sector.
  
• Able to travel to ISPA’s Office (630 9th Avenue, Suite 213, New York, New York 10036) and The Times Center (242 West 41st St, New York, NY 10036).

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 will preclude you from attending some sessions. Complimentary registration does not include admission to the Opening Reception and Closing Reception, unless working the events. Volunteer tasks will include, but are not limited to, working at the registration desk, checking in members, running errands, and assisting with the preparation, set-up, and break-down of the Congress. All volunteers are required to attend the Volunteer Orientation and Training Session on Saturday, January 10th, 2026 at 11am. Immediately following the orientation, volunteers will assist with pre-congress tasks.

Application Process

The deadline for the volunteer application is Monday, December 1st. We will inform you of your application status via email by Monday December 8th, 2025 latest.

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