Poetry International Festival 2025
Sign up as a volunteer
For over fifty years, the Poetry International Festival has been that unique place where poets, translators, musicians, artists and visitors from all over the world meet in the heart of Rotterdam. And for more than fifty years we have only been able to be so thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of many volunteers. Volunteers are often the first point of contact for performing artists and our visitors and thus the calling card of the festival.
From Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 June 2025, we celebrate the 55rd edition of the Poetry International Festival at various indoor and outdoor locations on and around the Wilhelminapier and Katendrecht, with Theater Lantaren/Venster and Verhalenhuis Belvédère as the main bases for the many poets' performances, talk shows, interviews, book presentations, workshops, Poetry routes and festive Poetry Nights. If your heart beats faster with festivals, if you love poetry, spoken word, music and books and if you like to really give it all you've got, don't hesitate to sign up as a festival volunteer.
Activities and expectations
Different functions
As a volunteer you are a representative of Poetry International Festival for audiences, guests and artists. With a friendly and helpful attitude, it is you who will make everyone feel at home at the festival. We distinguish the following tasks:
- Information/guest desk and hospitality
- Hall watch
- Workshop facilitator
Several important tasks are also performed backstage by volunteers. These include:
- Assembly and disassembly crew
- Runner with driving license B
- Host for artists and guests
- Catering runner
When registering, please indicate which function or combination of functions you would like to perform during the festival.
Mutual expectations
What to expect from us
During a special volunteer meeting prior to the festival we will get you acquainted and you will get to know the other volunteers and staff members. You will also receive the necessary guidance during your work. Of course, you will have free access to all festival events and lunch, dinner, drinks and a t-shirt during your shifts will be provided. Meanwhile, you will meet nice people and learn a lot about all these different forms of poetry.
What do we expect from you?
As a volunteer, you are at least 18 years old and speak good Dutch or English. If you also speak other languages, that would be great, because our guests come from all over the world. We ask our volunteers to commit at least 2 shifts for the festival.
The shifts fall in this time frame:
Thursday, June 12: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday, June 13: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday, June 14: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday, June 15: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Being available prior to or following the festival is also a plus for some positions. Drivers must have held a driver's license for at least three years.
Vacancies
unpaid
Board member (treasurer)
Foundation Poetry International is looking for an engaged TREASURER
We are seeking a treasurer (m/f/x) who, together with the other board members and the office, will further shape the ambitions and future of our foundation. We offer a meaningful and significant role as a co-director in an organization with a 55-year tradition that is both content-wise and organizationally in full development.
Sponsors
