The future generation of event professionals will have the chance to work on the largest celebration of African and Caribbean music and culture in the UK thanks to Africa Oyé.
The Liverpool institution is looking to fill a number of work placement positions that could serve as a springboard for a career in the arts and cultural sector. Those between the ages of 18 and 24 who reside in the Liverpool City Region are encouraged to apply.
You could gain valuable experience working with the team behind the UK’s largest celebration of African music and culture, whether it’s an office-based position assisting with the annual Africa Oyé festival’s planning, producing the Africa Oyé radio show, or shadowing a variety of roles at the festival itself in June.
Artistic Director of Africa Oyé, Paul Duhaney said:
“There are some fantastic local programmes for artists trying to break through into the industry, but we’re very conscious that there’s a lot of young people who would like to get into the ‘behind the scenes’ of the music and events industry that don’t know where to start. It can be a very closed shop at times and if you don’t know anyone already in a higher position then it can be hard to get a foot in the door. We want to change that with these placements and offer young people a wide range of roles where they can learn from our experienced Oyé team of professionals.”
Speaking about the call out for volunteers, Paul added:
“The volunteer team is a vital part of our fundraising each year. We want to make sure that everyone who is enjoying our free festival has the chance to show their appreciation by donating whatever amount they can and we can only make that happen with a dedicated team of volunteers on site interacting with the audience. They’re a key part of helping keep Oyé free and open to all.”
How do I apply for the placements?
If the work placements sound like something for you or someone you know, please email your CV and a short covering letter detailing what aspects of the organisation you’d like experience in, to training@africaoye.com
VOLUNTEERS
And for those who simply love the festival and want to help keep it FREE and open to all, there is the opportunity to be on the frontline collecting donations and conducting surveys with the thousands that attend the event in Sefton Park.
Africa Oyé is organised by a very small core team. The support of volunteers across the festival weekend is a crucial part of the organisation. The chance to meet the festival audience face-to-face only comes around once a year, and volunteers will be working to ensure the survival and growth of the festival by creating positive relations with attendees and raising funds to sustain future editions.
For the volunteer placements, we ask for a minimum of 2 hours of your time during the Festival weekend (or more if you like!) to help us:
– Raise donations to ensure the event stays free and open to all. The festival is put on at enormous cost and the challenge to keep it free gets harder and harder each year. Africa Oyé is a registered charity (number 1062484) supported by funding from Arts Council England and Liverpool City Council.
– Support the Audience Development and data capture programme, that is crucial to Africa Oye’s future; this involves conducting a short questionnaire with audience members.
No prior training or experience is required and a briefing session will be provided before you commence your Volunteer shift.
The two days are a fantastic celebration of the music and culture of Africa, and volunteering will give you an opportunity to be part of the festivities, to meet a variety of people and help keep the event free for future generations.
How do I apply to volunteer?
Please complete the application form here.
If you have any queries, do not hesitate to email the team at volunteer@africaoye.com or scan the QR code below for more information.
