By Amber Kalnas, PR Intern and ArtsQuest Staff
Ever wonder how ArtsQuest can host so many successful events (large, small and everything in between) all year round? The answer is simple – our amazing and dedicated volunteers. From Musikfest – the largest non-gated music festival in the country, to Christkindlmarkt – which welcomed recordbreaking attendees this past holiday season, to our concerts in the Musikfest Café and all of the programming we offer, it is our volunteers that keep these events going year in and year out. And it’s easy to say that we’ve created a special connection with them, as many have been with our organization for years, even decades. In fact, this past Musikfest we celebrated our 40th year anniversary and we also celebrated a dozen 40 year volunteers. Talk about dedication! These individuals come back year after year and they range in age from teens to senior citizens. Our volunteers come together for the community and play an important role in making special memories for people from throughout the country and beyond who come to enjoy a concert, a comedy show, a festival, an exhibit and more.
“Personally, I think volunteerism is getting involved in something that you’re passionate about, getting out in the community and trying to make a difference through that passion,” said Cory Stevens, Volunteer Program Manager at ArtsQuest. “It goes beyond what is required of you to pay your bills and move your life forward. It’s the equivalent of having gratitude and wanting to pay it forward in the lives of others; volunteerism helps achieve that.”
ArtsQuest has an arsenal of about 1,500 active volunteers and their duties can range from ticket scanning to beer pouring, ushering attendees to their seats to operational set-up and even helping backstage at Musikfest headliner shows. They often act as customer service agents and get to know the ins and outs of the organization and campus extremely well.
To show appreciation for volunteers, ArtsQuest provides volunteers with a Reward Program that offers free tickets to the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema, the Musikfest Cafe and the Wind Creek Steel Stage Musikfest headliners. Each reward is distributed by milestones that vary from 100 to 1,000 hours. Further, there are raffles, giveaways and recognition events that take place throughout the year. “It really can’t be understated that if you put the right energy into it, you’ll also walk away with new friends who could quickly grow into friends for life,” continued Stevens. “Our volunteer opportunities are great resume builders, provide ample experience in retail, leadership and customer service and allow volunteers to be part of a long-standing Bethlehem tradition.”
“Volunteering at its core is about giving back to your community in doing what you love,” commented Parker Ryan, Volunteer Program Assistant Manager at ArtsQuest. “And honestly, that is a big part of ArtsQuest; we want programming, events and initiatives to align with what our community looks like and embodies. Many ideas and events are fostered from the voices and thoughts of volunteers coming out to help.”
ArtsQuest’s commitment to providing access to the arts for all would never be possible without the dedication, generosity and love for community that our volunteers provide. If you would like to become a volunteer and make a difference in your local community while having fun and forming new friendships visit www.artsquest.org/volunteer. The minimum age to volunteer at ArtsQuest is 15, however, if you’re younger, you can still volunteer as long as you are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Certain positions, like ushering or alcohol pouring are reserved for age appropriate volunteers.
Check out what current volunteers had to say about their volunteer experience at ArtsQuest’s vibrant community:
Susan Stachowski
14 yrs. of volunteering
ArtsQuest is one of the first big sponsorships that my company focused on. And it was my responsibility to work events and get volunteers from Wind Creek to make a difference. I would encourage everybody, from 18-96 years old, to volunteer with ArtsQuest; everything is fun and enjoyable. They have the means to work with you on what you would like to do , and there are so many options. the camaraderie with the guests and the volunteers makes each night or event here enjoyable for everybody.
Emily Heesen
33 yrs. of volunteering
ArtsQuest is what saved Bethlehem, If it wasn’t for them, we would be looking at dilapidated and falling down steel stacks. As a community member of Bethlehem, I really enjoy giving back; it’s rewarding to give back to my community. I feel ArtsQuest is integral to Bethlehem, adding to the scene entertainment and the arts. Why not volunteer here? You walk away with so much enrichment.
Kim Letourneau
25 yrs. of volunteering
I have volunteered at Musikfest and Christkindlmarkt. Volunteering with ArtsQuest is a family affair, both my children and husband are a part of it, too. Christkindlmarkt adds joy to the Christmas season; my children used to call it Christmas town. ArtsQuest greatly enhances the community, it’s fun and creates a good sense of purpose for me which is to be a good community person.
