Volunteer Art Workshop & Chapter Lead: Across Canada - Help Kids Create!

Bring free art workshops to your community and help build the team that makes them happen!

Hands & Canvas is a youth-founded, volunteer-led initiative based in Toronto that makes creative opportunities more accessible through free art workshops and materials. We’re now recruiting volunteers across Canada to help establish local workshop teams and chapters.

You can apply as an individual, with friends, or as someone interested in starting a chapter at a high school, university, or community space. You do not need an existing team or partner organization to apply.

ABOUT THE ROLE: 

Start and coordinate a small local team that brings free, hands-on art activities to children and youth. Workshops may include drawing, painting, paper-mâché, and other creative projects adapted to the participants and host organization.

Where Hands & Canvas has a suitable existing partner, we may be able to connect you with a workshop opportunity. In new communities, you’ll help identify and approach potential hosts with our guidance.

WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

• Recruit and coordinate a small, dependable volunteer team.
• Research and approach local schools, community centres, youth programs, and other potential hosts using agreed outreach materials.
• Work with Hands & Canvas and the host to confirm the workshop format, schedule, materials, and volunteer requirements before making commitments.
• Plan or adapt art activities and explain them clearly to participants.
• Assign team responsibilities and organize preparation, setup, and cleanup.
• Lead welcoming workshops that encourage children and youth to explore their own ideas.
• Follow the host’s safety, screening, and supervision requirements.
• Keep basic records of sessions, attendance, volunteer hours, and feedback, and share updates with Hands & Canvas.

SUPPORT FROM HANDS & CANVAS: 

You’ll receive an introductory online meeting, activity ideas, planning templates, outreach guidance, and ongoing check-ins.

We’ll help you get started, identify potential hosts, and develop your first workshop plan. Leads are also expected to research local opportunities, contact organizations, and build relationships in their own communities.

You do not need to arrive with a complete plan. Materials, funding, and delivery arrangements will be agreed before workshops are confirmed; placements and supplies are not automatically available in every location.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We welcome high school students, university students, and adults across Canada who are reliable, organized, and interested in community service.

You should be comfortable communicating with a team, taking initiative, and explaining activities to children or youth. Experience with art, teaching, mentoring, clubs, or event planning is helpful but not essential. You do not need to be a professional artist or be good at art! All you need is your excitement, passion, and dedication. 

Youth-led chapters will need an appropriate school or host supervision arrangement. Screening and participation requirements will depend on the role, location, and host organization.

LOCATION AND COMMITMENT: 

This opportunity is open to applicants across Canada. You will organize and lead workshops in person in your own community; travel to Toronto is not required. On boarding and coordination with Hands & Canvas take place remotely.

Expect approximately 2 to 4 hours per week on average, with additional  volunteer hours possible during workshop weeks, or just ask me :). Planning is flexible, but confirmed sessions require reliable attendance. We ask leads to commit to organizing and completing at least one agreed workshop series.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply through VolunteerConnector with a very short introduction covering:
• Why you’re interested.
• Your city or town and province or territory.
• Your general availability.
• Any relevant experience or interests.
• Whether you’re applying individually or with a team.
• Any local schools or organizations you might like to approach.

No existing chapter or confirmed venue is required to apply.

Learn more at handsandcanvas.com or contact Founder & Operations Executive, Brian Lu, @brianlu086@gmail.com.  

Have fun!