Information for Performing Artists and Volunteers

For Performers
For Volunteers & Other Participants

For Performers

Who can perform in Arts Fest?

All Harvard affiliates (undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff and alumnis) may apply to perform and exhibit artwork during Arts Fest. Performing ensembles may include non-Harvard affiliates as long as the primary artist or group is Harvard-based.

What kind of support is provided to performers?

We provide publicity for individual events in the Arts Fest program, the Harvard College Events Calendar, our email newsletter, and on our social media. We also publicize the festival throughout the greater Boston area.

For live performances on campus, we provide production support to artists in the Arts Fest Performance Fair by supplying a performance venue, stage manager, ushers, chairs and music stands, and other audio equipment depending on the venue. Some venues have sound reinforcement and an on-site audio engineer, while others are limited to acoustic performances. We also provide a livestream of all performances in the Plaza Tent, as well as select performances in other venues.

For pre-recorded and livestreamed performances, we provide publicity support, logistical guidance as needed, as well as an online platform for viewing performance videos.

Is there funding support for performers?

Limited funding may be available through OFA Project Grants for non-Performance Fair projects. Please review eligibility requirements on the Project Grants page.

If you have further questions or ideas, please contact us. 

What is the Arts Fest Performance Fair?

The Arts Fest Performance Fair is an afternoon of simultaneous short performances by Harvard community performing artists, on a wide variety of indoor and outdoor stages near Harvard Yard. It also includes Dance Fest, a showcase of over 20 dance styles and traditions. The Performance Fair is always free and open to the public. Some of its stages are also livestreamed.

Performance Fair applications are available starting in October each year, for the following spring's festival.

What are the expectations for performers?

We expect clear and timely communication about your performance needs and any potential schedule conflicts. If the details of your performance change, please email us updates promptly. On the day of the Arts Fest Performance Fair, all performers are expected to arrive at their assigned venue at least 20 minutes prior to their performance time slot.

We also expect performers to honor their commitment to performing in Arts Fest. While spring is a busy time of the academic year, we encourage applicants to carefully consider their spring schedule before submitting their Arts Fest Performance Fair application, to prevent schedule conflicts.

For pre-recorded performance showcases, we expect to receive your video link on or before the deadline for inclusion in our online gallery.

For more details, you are welcome to review the 2026 Participation Agreement for Performers. An updated version will be provided soon. 

Why is there a limit on the number of performances that an individual can participate in?

Artists may perform in up to three Performance Fair time slots. We have created this limit in the interest of performers' wellbeing, as well as to ensure that performers with multiple Performance Fair commitments have sufficient time to travel between venues and prepare for each of their performances.

Can performers choose their performance time or location?

All Performance Fair performers will be assigned a time and location by the Arts Fest staff. Performers are welcome to name their preferred location, but we cannot guarantee that your preference will be met.

Dance Fest time slots are up to 10 minutes in length, and all other Performance Fair time slots are 20 minutes long. Time slots are carefully selected to prevent schedule conflicts for performers in multiple ensembles, so be sure to list all of your performers’ other commitments in your Arts Fest application.

Something came up and my performing group needs to cancel. What should we do?

You might not need to cancel. We encourage performers to think creatively about alternate ways to perform, such as: changing a group work to a solo piece, changing the instrumentation (e.g. replacing a singer with a piano or violin soloist), bringing in a substitute performer, performing selected excerpts instead of a full work, or replacing the originally planned work with a different one that your group has performed successfully in the past.

If these options are not viable and your group must cancel, please contact us soon as possible.

Why are the application deadlines so early in the academic year?

Although Arts Fest application deadlines may seem early, significant behind-the-scenes planning is required to coordinate publicity and production. Because Arts Fest is a university-wide festival involving more than 500 students and Harvard-affiliated artists and over 100 performances and exhibitions, timely communication helps the planning process run smoothly.

For Volunteers & Other Participants

Who can volunteer to help with Arts Fest?

Everyone 16 years of age or older can volunteer for Arts Fest, regardless of whether they are a Harvard affiliate. Some knowledge of the Harvard campus is helpful. We provide training materials and a brief training session for volunteers in advance of their volunteer shift.

What can Arts Fest volunteers expect to do?

On the day of the Arts Fest Performance Fair, volunteers may help set up or put away chairs, music stands, and signs; greet visitors and provide basic directions to performance venues; check in performers; and other tasks as needed.

In advance of the festival, volunteers may help deliver Arts Fest guides and t-shirts to various locations on the Harvard campus or organize festival materials.

What are the perks of volunteering at Arts Fest?

All volunteers receive an Arts Fest t-shirt, free snacks and the opportunity to see exciting Arts Fest performances.

Can I list my event in the Arts Fest program?

Any event taking place on the Harvard campus between offically posted Arts Fest dates can be listed in the Arts Fest print program and online festival schedule by filling out a publicity application.

Is there funding available for Arts Fest events?

Some funding is provided for selected Public Art projects in Harvard Yard. Arts Fest Performance Fair performances are directly given a free venue, publicity, and production support, instead of funding. If your event requires additional support, consider applying for a Project Grant.