Youth-Driven Cultural Hub: Volunteering in Sicily’s Creative Center at Mistero Buffo, Acireale 2026
Circolo Arci Babilonia APS
Acireale, Italy
Description
Join us in Sicily for a volunteering experience at Mistero Buffo! Circolo Arci Babilonia, through the “Mistero Buffo” Youth Cultural Center, is a hub for culture and youth engagement. Run by young volunteers, we promote culture, creativity, and environmental sustainability in our community. Our center is a safe, welcoming space open to everyone, though we mainly attract young people (20–30 years old), depending on the event. The center is open most days from 5:00 pm to 8:00/10:00 pm, according to the day’s program. As a volunteer, you will take part in art workshops, cultural events, jam sessions, and initiatives supporting social inclusion and environmental education together with Legambiente, a partner association. Self-management is essential here: Mistero Buffo is a youth-run community club, so we expect participation, shared responsibility, and initiative. You will also be asked to propose and develop your own project of any kind.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
The two volunteers will be accommodated in an apartment in the historic center of Acireale. The accommodation includes a single bedroom and an open-plan area with a bed and a kitchen, equipped with essential amenities: a washing machine, a shared bathroom, and a beautiful terrace. The apartment is in a strategic location, just a few minutes’ walk from both the Mistero Buffo center and Piazza Duomo, the heart of the city. The train station is easily reachable with a walk of about 25 minutes or by bus. Volunteers will receive pocket money to manage their own meals independently.
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 22 week(s) during the period 15/01/2026 to 15/06/2026
Activity location
Via Pennisi 25, Acireale, Italy
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Aruba, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bonaire Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Territories, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kosovo * UN resolution, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Caledonia, North Macedonia, Norway, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saint Barthélemy, Serbia, Sint Maarten (dutch part), Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St Pierre and Miquelon, Sweden, Syria, Tunisia, Türkiye, Ukraine, Wallis and Futuna
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
No application deadline
Project code
2025-2-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000372192