Youth-Driven Cultural Hub: Volunteering in Sicily’s Creative Center at Mistero Buffo, Acireale
Circolo Arci Babilonia APS
Acireale, Italy
Description
Join us in Sicily for a unique volunteering experience at Mistero Buffo, a place where creativity meets social and environmental impact! Circolo Arci Babilonia, through the Youth Cultural Center "Mistero Buffo," is a hub of culture and youth engagement in Acireale. Run by young volunteers, we promote culture, creativity, and environmental sustainability in our community. Our center is a safe space open to everyone, but we attract mostly young people (20-30 yo) or older, depending on the event. As a volunteer, you will participate in artistic workshops, cultural events, jam sessions, and initiatives supporting social inclusion and environmental education with Legambiente, a partner association. You'll play a key role in managing the center, organizing events from music to art, and cinema, in partnership with Scarti and the "Magma Film Festival." Plus, you'll have the chance to propose and develop your own project in a relaxed, cooperative, and self-managed environment.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
The two volunteers will be accommodated in a cozy apartment in the historic center of Acireale. The accommodation includes a single bedroom and an open-space area with sleeping area and kitchen, complete with essential amenities: washing machine, shared bathroom, and a beautiful terrace. The apartment is strategically located, within walking distance of both Mistero Buffo center and Piazza Duomo, the heart of the city. The train station is easily accessible with a 25-minute walk, ensuring access to public transportation. Volunteers will receive pocket money to manage their own meals.
Training during the activity
Volunteers will participate in two training sessions organized by the National Youth Agency: an initial training and a mid-term evaluation. At the beginning of the project, they will receive support for center activities, which will mainly take place in the late afternoon. They will be guided to settle in within a friendly atmosphere, with evening outings with other volunteers. The hosting organization also provides regular evaluation meetings with other Mistero Buffo volunteers to ensure an educational and enriching experience in every aspect.
Participant profile
We are excited to welcome volunteers ready to take on the challenges of our dynamic, growing center. We seek creative, independent individuals with strong initiative and autonomy. These qualities are crucial for contributing effectively to our project and making an impact in our community. You should be comfortable managing the space constructively, fostering a positive atmosphere, and interacting primarily with peers aged 20-30, while maintaining flexibility. If you have experience in NGOs or creative, environmental, and cultural sectors, this will certainly enhance your experience. However, such experience isn't required. What matters most is your personal motivation, desire to actively contribute, and how this experience aligns with your life goals and future plans. Acireale, the host city, is a town of 50,000 inhabitants on Sicily's eastern coast, near Catania. This setting offers the perfect balance between small-town tranquility and proximity to Catania's urban activities. While not a major cultural center, Acireale's scene is evolving with new initiatives and engaged youth. Volunteers should be ready to connect with local youth and address challenges in maintaining consistency and expanding outreach. Working hours are flexible and will be arranged according to needs. Weekends are completely free, offering opportunities to organize trips and explore Sicily. You'll also build friendships with other ESC volunteers in Catania, creating an atmosphere of sharing and fun. We'll carefully evaluate each candidate's motivations to understand how this project could foster personal and professional growth. Please explore our Instagram profile (https://www.instagram.com/misterobuffoacireale/) to better understand our activities. During the interview, we welcome proposals for projects or courses you'd like to develop during your 8-month stay. If you're committed to making a positive impact, we look forward to exploring how we can collaborate to create something meaningful for both you and our community.
Activity dates
A total of 35 week(s) during the period 13/01/2025 to 31/08/2025
Activity location
Via Pennisi 25, Acireale, Italy
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 10/01/2025 20:00