Call for Volunteers

OFF-Biennale Budapest is an international contemporary art event and Hungary’s largest independent, civil arts initiative. OFF-Biennale operates as a grassroots organization based on artistic, social, and scientific collaborations, functioning in a networked structure. It creates new artworks, exhibitions, publications, events, and educational programs; supports Hungarian artists’ work, and brings the international art scene closer to local audiences. It’s not hosted in traditional art venues but rather takes place in private homes, empty shops, industrial buildings, and public spaces, inviting audiences to explore the city. Its aim is to use the tools of visual art to engage in social dialogue on public affairs and to strengthen the culture of democracy.

The first OFF-Biennale was held in 2015, with subsequent events in 2017 and 2021, and it also featured at documenta fifteen in 2022.

The fifth edition will be held from May 1 to June 15, 2025, coinciding with OFF’s tenth anniversary: a decade since the self-organized international “garage biennale” was launched in spring 2015. The theme of the upcoming OFF is “Safety”—a fundamental human right and instinctive need, yet one increasingly inaccessible for many, despite heated political debates and the growth of the security industry.

Why We Need Volunteers

For years, our work has relied on the involvement of numerous volunteers. We’re looking for individuals interested in contemporary art, motivated by responsible work that requires both teamwork and autonomy. Volunteers collaborate with experienced professionals in their respective fields, offering opportunities for mutual learning.

When?

We need your support from January to the end of June 2025. The busiest period will be leading up to the opening, but there will be plenty to do throughout the Biennale and even after it concludes.

How to Apply

Fill out the application form, where you can also upload your brief CV and motivation letter. Applications are ongoing!

First Volunteer Briefing: Mid-February 2025.

For any questions, contact us at .

Areas Where We Need Your Help

Leadership Assistance

  • Supporting the director’s work: coordinating with teams, international
    professionals, event organization, and administrative tasks.

Production

  • Art Project Coordination: Preparation and organization of new productions for OFF, liaising with artists, venues, and all stakeholders and supporters involved in the projects.
  • Event organization, creative content development, and event execution.
  • Infomediation: Welcoming visitors at exhibition venues, providing information
    about the artworks, and managing exhibition technology (turning it on/off).
  • Exhibition setup, carpentry, AV technology, and assisting with setting up the OFF-Biennale community space (from moving furniture to painting).

Volunteer Coordination

Organization and Financial Assistance

  • Handling contracts, collecting and managing invoices, preparing records, and organizing artwork transport, travel, and accommodation.

Communication

  • Communications Campaign Assistant: Preparing press events, assisting onsite, requesting quotes, managing printing, editing newsletters, and supporting social media communications.
  • Managing the press center, book, and media library at OFF’s central location.
  • English translation.
  • Hungarian language editing.
  • Press monitoring.
  • Website content uploads.
  • Content creation.

Educational Programs – Assistant

  • Contributing to the development and implementation of educational programs for children and adult audiences.
  • Preparing and coordinating educational programs, supporting educators.
  • Contacting and liaising with schools and children’s groups, maintaining contact lists.
  • Collaborating with the communications team on tasks related to educational programs (e.g., writing and managing program descriptions, maintaining the website’s educational content, organizing audiences, arranging guided tours).

Documentation

  • Photography, videography, post-production, video subtitling, image editing.

Online Events

  • Providing technical support and serving as a technical host for online events.

 

Thank you,
The OFF-Biennale Team