Open House Europe is a collaborative project between 12 European cultural organisations, including the Irish Architecture Foundation, with a shared vision of promoting architecture as a positive force for change. Together, we are facilitating a more inclusive discussion about architecture and emphasising its role in addressing important social and environmental issues.

As we enter the second year of this exciting collaboration, we are inviting experienced Open House Dublin volunteers to apply to participate in an international Volunteer Exchange programme with five peer festivals in 2024.

Exchange volunteers will have a unique opportunity to participate in an Open House festival in another European city. Participants will expand their knowledge and experience of volunteering, while also making new connections with like-minded architecture and culture enthusiasts. Volunteers will immerse themselves in the host city, in company with the local volunteers and festival team, and contribute to the successful running of the festival, building on their previous volunteering with Open House Dublin.

In 2024, experienced Open House Dublin volunteers can choose to apply for the following cities:

• Brno (17-19 May)
• Prague (17-19 May)
• Vilnius (17-19 May)
• Stockholm (4-6 Oct)
• Tallinn (11-13 Oct)

Eligibility:

You can participate in the Volunteer Exchange programme if

• You are over 18 years old.
• You are fluent in English.
• You have more than one year of volunteer experience with Open House Dublin or another Open House festival.
• You are available on the specific dates of the selected Open House festival (as above).

Application and selection process:

Apply for the Volunteer Exchange through the online form.

You will be asked about your relevant experience and skills, motivation, and your two preferred cities for the exchange.

The closing date for applications is 19 February, 18:00 Irish time. Late applications will not be considered.

Applicants for the exchange programme will be shortlisted by Open House Dublin and may be invited to a short informal interview as part of the selection process.

Successful applicants (1 per festival) will be notified by 4 March, followed by a trilateral agreement with full terms and conditions.

Every Open House festival is a little bit different. You may be asked to participate as a steward or to assist in guiding tours, depending on your knowledge and skills. You may also be asked to take photographs or assist the festival’s organising team. You will have the opportunity to meet with the organisers online prior to your visit and we will work to match your interests with their needs.

We will cover all travel, accommodation and subsistence.

Past and future exchanges:

This is the third Volunteer Exchange through Open House Europe, with exchanges taking place from spring 2023 until autumn 2025 (inclusive). There will be further opportunities for interested OHD volunteers to apply. The partner cities will be different in each exchange.

Read about the first volunteers sent from Open House Dublin in 2023.

Follow Open House Dublin on Instagram or subscribe to the IAF newsletter to ensure you hear about future Open House Europe Volunteer Exchanges and other opportunities.

Open House Europe is coordinated by Architektūros fondas in Vilnius and is co-funded by the European Union through Creative Europe.

Photo by Ina Andreolli, courtesy of Open House Stockholm.