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Open House Festival is an annual celebration of London's architecture and neighbourhoods, and the people and communities behind them. Every year, buildings and other sites across all 33 London boroughs open to the public, so that Londoners can explore and learn about them for free. Open House Festival is run by Open City, a charity dedicated to making architecture and neighbourhoods more open, accessible and equitable. Our mission is to empower communities to learn about, experience and have a role in shaping places where they live. We collaborate with people from diverse communities to widen access to spaces, neighbourhoods, knowledge and careers they are often excluded from. We do this by creating educational and cultural programmes discussing, celebrating and opening up historic and contemporary buildings and landscapes. Why should I volunteer at Open House Festival? Open House Festival Volunteers help to open up buildings for the public. In a lot of cases, the buildings would not be able to open at all without volunteer support. It’s a rewarding experience with opportunities to learn about London’s built environment. There are two different roles for volunteers: stewards and guides. As a steward you will be: ● Helping to marshal visitors by organising queues ● Checking off names of visitors who have booked 2 ● Signposting visitors around the building ● Answering any questions visitors might have around opening times, accessibility, toilets etc. ● Other practical support for festival contributors on the day As a guide you will be: ● Giving informal tours of your chosen building, introducing visitors to the architecture, function and history of the building ● Answering visitors’ questions about the building Guides will need to do some research beforehand, so that you can speak about the building with knowledge and confidence.
No specific skills needed. Just an interest in London, it's built environment, and working with people
As an Open House Festival Volunteer you will: ● Help to make London more open, accessible and equitable ● Learn about London and its architecture ● Get to know one or more of the amazing sites in the festival programme ● Meet new people ● Develop skills in stewarding, verbal communication and time management ● Enjoy a fun day or evening out in a stunning London building ● Be given priority entry to many buildings across the festival programme.
We ask that all volunteers commit one morning, afternoon or evening during the festival, although you are welcome to give as much time as you can.
