In September 2024 Cryptic will present Sonica, our award-winning 11-day biennial festival dedicated to world-class audiovisual art, showcasing the best of UK talent alongside exceptional international artists. Sonica will take place across Glasgow in numerous venues exploring visual music, sonic and digital arts between 19 – 29 September 2024.

We are looking for reliable and enthusiastic volunteers who are keen to work alongside the Cryptic team to help us deliver this unique Festival. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and particularly welcome applications from those who are currently under-represented within the sector, including those from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as D/deaf, disabled or neurodiverse, LGBTQIA+ and/or those from a working-class background.

Cryptic is an equal opportunities and inclusive organisation. We celebrate diversity, promote inclusion, and challenge racism and all forms of prejudice. We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity and welcome those who bring difference to our team. We want to inspire more people to discover, engage with and participate in the arts.

It is important to us that all our volunteers gain skills and experiences that will be useful to them in the future, get to know Cryptic and the artists we work with and have an enjoyable and memorable experience. However, there are some qualities we would like all volunteers to have:

• Enthusiastic, reliable and flexible;

• Friendly personality with good communication skills and initiative;

• An interest in contemporary culture;

• Ability to commit to minimum of 4 shifts between 15 – 29 September;

• Available to meet us for a quick chat online between 29 July – 2 August;

• Attend disability awareness training provided by Cryptic;

• At least 18 years of age.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers to help with front of house, customer service, artist assistance, and technical assistance. These roles will provide volunteers with experience in box office, customer care, invigilation, audience evaluation and technical skills, as well as an overview of how a large-scale festival is planned, run and managed. An interest or knowledge of contemporary performance and music is desirable.

Front of House:

We are looking for enthusiastic people with good communication skills to welcome and engage with audiences. FOH volunteers should have an awareness of the full Sonica programme and travel options so they can encourage visitors to see more of the festival. They will also invigilate installations, and ensure the festival is as sustainable as possible by making visitors, artists, team and technicians aware of the waste management and recycling processes.

Access Desk at Tramway:

Volunteers will be the first point of contact for visitors, artists and delegates with access needs, hand out subpac and earplugs, manage the quiet space, and provide access / travel information.

Backstage and Artist Liaison:

Backstage volunteers will greet artists at their allotted venue and distribute their passes and information packs. They will assist with ensuring the backstage area at Tramway is clean and tidy, and let the Cryptic team know if any extra items are required for artists. Volunteers will ensure artists are welcomed and familiar with the space, and will also let the technical and Cryptic teams know if artists require any assistance.

Artist Assistant:

Volunteers for these roles should have some technical knowledge of how an art installation works or the delivery of live multi-media events. You will be assigned a role depending on your interests and experience. Shifts will be determined by installation and performance schedules. This role will provide volunteers with general technical experience across the Sonica programme.

On the run up to and during the festival, volunteers will be fully supported by the Cryptic team, have a dedicated point of contact and be given clear guidance about their role. A presentation detailing the work will be given to equip you with sufficient knowledge before you start.

These roles are voluntary, but the following benefits are available:

• We will be flexible about your working arrangements on the understanding that you are providing your time for free and may have other work or study commitments;

• We will work with you to offer a challenging, useful experience that helps develop your skills;

• We will reimburse reasonable travel and out of pocket expenses as agreed in advance;

• You will be able to experience the festival performances when you’re volunteering;

• We will provide training;

• We can give you a reference if your work is of a high quality and you are reliable;

• You will join a collective of talented, exciting people with which to make friends and contacts.

HOW TO APPLY:

• To apply please complete this simple form, which can be submitted in written, audio or

  video format via this link

• As part of your application, please complete the Inclusion Form via this link – this helps to support our aim to be an inclusive and diverse organisation.  

The deadline for applications is 17:00 on 23 July 2024. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a short online interview between 29 July and 2 August.

Cryptic will work with volunteers to ensure their access needs are met during the recruitment process and will ensure access requirements are not a factor in decision making. We want to ensure that our application processes are clear and accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements that you would like us to know about or an Access Rider you would like to share, please include these in your application.

Information is available in alternative formats on request including large print, Braille, Easy Read, and audio. We will work with you to understand your specific needs and will be supportive in discussing these with you at any stage of the application process. If you require the application form or job description in a different format, please contact Anna Realta at sonica@cryptic.org.uk or call the office on 0141 354 0544.