Volunteer opportunity: Luminarium
Closing date: Wednesday 9 September 2026
Contact email: sophie.crocker@culturewithin.org.uk
We are recruiting volunteers aged 18+ to support us in stewarding Luminarium, at Central Park in East Ham 24 - 27 September 2026!
The Luminarium is a monumental walk-through inflatable artwork where visitors move through glowing chambers of shifting colour, light and sound, an experience that's immersive and accessible to all ages and abilities. Luminaria have been all round the world and have captivated more than four million visitors worldwide.
The Luminarium will be free to access. There will be public sessions, where people can book a time online or just walk-up. There will also be closed sessions for local schools and community groups. This is an opportunity for local people to enjoy an international arts spectacle right on their doorstep – and we need your help to make that happen!
What would I be doing?
Volunteers are key to a successful event. Culture Within Newham are looking for a number of volunteers who can sign up to support us with various roles including:
Stewarding the Lumiarium
Welcoming and directing visitors around the site
Providing basic information about the artwork and schedule
Queue management
Collecting visitor feedback.
What’s the commitment?
You will need to attend one or two training sessions of around an hour in length each.
The event itself is four days, and there will be two shifts per day. The timings below are an indication of shift timings – exact timings will be confirmed closer to the event.
Thursday 24 September 10am - 2pm
Thursday 24 September 1:30pm - 6:15pm
Friday 25 September 9am - 2pm
Friday 25 September 1:30pm - 6:15pm
Saturday 26 September 10am - 2:30pm
Saturday 26 September 2pm - 6:15pm
Sunday 27 September 10am - 2:30pm
Sunday 27 September 2pm - 6:15pm
Due to the training required, we’re asking volunteers to sign up to at least two shifts.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for volunteers who are comfortable and confident talking to the public, and who have a good level of spoken English. Any additional language skills (including BSL) are strongly welcomed.
We’re interested in knowing whether volunteers have any experience working with people with disabilities, with community groups, or working with children.
Volunteers must be able to attend training. Because of the training requirement, we may prioritise volunteers who can work more than one shift.
Some volunteer roles require you to be comfortable regularly moving between tasks. There are other volunteer roles suitable for those not be able to stand.
You will wear your own clothes, with a Culture Within Newham high-vis on top. You should wear comfortable footwear.
You’ll need to remove your shoes inside the Luminarium.
Volunteers must be aged 18+, and have an enhanced DBS check issued within the last three years.
What will volunteers receive?
Volunteers will be fully briefed in advance of the event, and receive a daily briefing. They will be supported on site by Culture Within Newham and the Event Management team.
Volunteers will receive lunch, and tea/coffee. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
How to get involved
Sign up by completing this form.
If you have questions, or wish to sign up in an alternative format please email Sophie sophie.crocker@culturewithin.org.uk.
Luminarium is brought to you by Culture Within Newham, and created by Architects of Air. It is part of the Architects of Air Connexus Tour, funded by Arts Council England.