2026 - Youth-Driven Cultural Hub: Volunteering in Sicily’s Creative Center at Mistero Buffo, Acireale
Circolo Arci Babilonia APS
Acireale, Italy
Description
Mistero Buffo 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 depending on the event it mainly attracts young people (20–30 years old). The center is open Monday to Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm or 10:00 pm, depending on the day’s program. Events may also take place on weekends, but any changes will be communicated a few days in advance, and two weekly days off will be guaranteed. 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 stay in an apartment in Acireale’s historic center. The accommodation includes one single bedroom, and another bedroom that is an open space connected to the kitchen. The apartment has all the essentials: a washing machine, a shared bathroom, and a beautiful terrace. It 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 can be reached with an easy walk of about 25 minutes or by taking the bus. The volunteers will receive pocket money to manage their meals independently.
Training during the activity
Volunteers will take part in two training sessions in Rome 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 the center’s activities, which will mainly take place in the late afternoon. They will be helped to settle in within a friendly atmosphere, with evening outings together 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. For instance, we have a collection of over 100 board games! If you enjoy gaming, hosting board game nights, or playing on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, you are in the right place. You will also fit right in if you play an instrument or love organizing cultural events and film screenings. 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 5-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 23 week(s) during the period 26/01/2026 to 28/06/2026
Activity location
Via Pennisi, 25, Acireale, Italy
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Creativity and culture
Deadline for applications
No application deadline
Project code
2025-2-IT03-ESC51-VTJ-000372192