Marblehead Festival of Arts organizers are sounding the alarm: Without more volunteers, some signature festival events could be scaled back or even canceled.
The Festival of Arts, which showcases local artists, musicians and performers, is facing a significant volunteer shortage ahead of this summer’s celebration.
“Far fewer of our great community has signed up to volunteer, which could have disastrous consequences,” said Joe Tavano, who sits on the festival’s board.
The festival, which runs entirely on volunteer labor, relies on residents to staff exhibits, assist with children’s activities, help with setup and breakdown, and support dozens of events across town.
“The MFoA is 100% community powered. It’s an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit. No one — from our board of directors through our chairpersons and event staff — ever takes a check,” Tavano posted to Facebook. “We volunteer because we love Marblehead, we love this annual celebration, and we want it to continue for generations to come. But we can only plan it; it’s up to all of us to make it happen!”
Festival President Cynda Rohmer said volunteers are especially needed in the following areas:
The Children’s Festival: Saturday, July 4, at the Lee Mansion. Volunteers are needed for setup from 8 to 10 a.m., activity assistance from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and breakdown from 1 to 2 p.m. As of this week, only four of the 48 available volunteer slots had been filled.
Exhibits throughout town: At Abbot Hall, which hosts the crafts, painting, printmaking and Cod and Whale exhibits, only 16 of 72 shifts had been filled. The Drawing and Senior Art exhibit at the Unitarian Universalist Church had filled 10 of its 30 volunteer slots. The Photography exhibit at Old Town House had nine of 35 positions filled, while the Student Art exhibit at Old North Church had just three of 20 volunteers signed up. St. Michael’s Church, home to the digital, mixed media and sculpture exhibits, also had only three of its 20 slots filled.
Festival organizers warned that if enough volunteers do not step forward, they may have no choice but to temporarily close some exhibits or cancel portions of the festival altogether.
“Please, consider donating a hour or two of your time to keep the festival alive and thriving,” Tavano said. “It’s up to all of us to throw this uniquely Marblehead celebration of art and community.”
Residents interested in volunteering can sign up through the Festival’s volunteer page at marbleheadfestival.org/volunteer.
“This annual celebration” can only happen, Tavano said, “if all of us make it happen.”
