Esperanzah! An alternative way of organizing a World music festival
Description: Esperanzah! was born 20 years ago as an alternative music festival open to the world and based on discovery. Its programme expresses cultural diversity and deliberately goes against the monopolies, algorithms and the mainstream. Esperanzah! also tries to develop a socio-cultural approach that is meaningful, committed and sustainable. A special place is given to associations and their commitments. The Esperanzah! team wishes to demonstrate that it is possible to organize a large-scale event while respecting the environment (dry toilets, reusable cups...). They don't collaborate with large multinationals and they work with small local producers. It is not simply a question of participating in a festive event but above all of integrating a project that aims to a societal change through music.
Type of Work: The volunteers will help with the assembling and dismantling of the festival structures (tents, barriers, decoration, stages, etc.). The Esperanzah! SCI team consists of 10 people. The SCI volunteers will join a larger team of around 100 volunteers. There will be also 7 general campleaders of all festival’s volunteers joining them in the week preceding the festival. One of these campleaders will be leading the SCI volunteers. The “decoration” team might ask volunteers for help if needed. During the festival (27/07 to 30/07), volunteers will have the opportunity to attend concerts. It will be asked to all the volunteers to take time at the beginning of the festival to visit the different stands of the associative village to learn about the different alternatives.
Study Theme: Interculturality, sustainability, music. The associations participating in Esperanzah! define together the common message they wish to convey during the festival, in order to work beyond their respective objectives, towards a convergence of different fights for a change in society. The theme of this year is "Les mots sur le maux” ("Words on what hurts").
Accommodation: Group accommodation in a large room in one of the buildings on the abbey grounds. It is important to take your own mattress (tiled floor) and your sleeping bag.
The association "Collectactif" organizes the catering for all the volunteers of the festival (It is an association that fights against food waste by recovering and cooking food that is still consumable). The organization favors local short supply chains. Even though it is a big organization, the food remains tasty. Vegan people could however find the food repetitive (bring with you some food in case of need).
Requirements: Volunteers need to have at least one volunteering experience. Volunteers must join this project not only for its festive aspect but also for the values it defends. You should be able to get involved in the work, independently and despite the fatigue related to the festive aspect. A letter of motivation is required. Be aware that the work can be physical and heavy.
Approximate Location: The festival will take place at the Abbey of Floreffe, 20 km away from the city of Namur (in the South of Belgium).
Notes: Additional fee: Many SCI workcamps will have an additional fee of €50.00. This will cover - local hosting costs; International insurance costs of the volunteer; a small travel fund to enable disadvantaged volunteers to join projects; administration costs of SCI International. If you apply through an SCI branch, the fee will be included in the fee you pay to your sending branch. If you apply through a partner organisation you will pay the fee on arrival at the project; direct to the hosting branch or through a PayPal transfer system. When accepted on the project the host branch will give you more details of the various payment options.