Germany: ESC: ArtImpact Vol.2

About the local hosting organization

Based in the old water tower at the central train station in Oberhausen, kitev works as a laboratory, artist collective and cultural hub for regional and international art projects. Kitev is collaborating with other artists from the city and elsewhere in Europe to transform the area into a vibrant quarter – using art and culture. Following renovation, largely stemmed by the association itself, the tower hosts events and workshops by creative people from all over Europe. It is also a temporary workspace for artists and projects and, with its repaired clock at the top of the tower, it became a visible landmark for Oberhausen. In kitev’s work participation is a crucial principle, when developing local projects targeting urban change. Kitev considers culture to be a fundamental dimension within the realm of sustainable development. This gets visible in architectural interventions in public spaces (redesigning & reinterpreting abandoned urban places), in temporary sometimes unreckoned use of empty buildings (for events, exhibitions or art hotels) and last but not least in the water tower itself. Since the beginning of kitev we were "collecting" cross-town, -regional, -national experiences and practices. Every long term exchange project is for us such a possibility to learn and to share knowledge and practice on a high professional level. Kitev is very well experienced by hosting international partners by taking already part in different international exchange programs with the aim of collaboration between artists, performers, art collectives and associations. Some of them were organised by ECF (European Cultural Foundation) some of them were initiatives between the TWIN cities partnerships. Each visit and collaboration was always a big personal gain for both sides.

Presentation of the programme

Do you believe in the power of art to drive social change? If so, we invite you to join kitev's self-organized, artistic team dedicated to supporting structural change from the grassroots level. kitev (Kultur im Turm) is a dynamic laboratory for unconventional interventions, located in the iconic water tower at Oberhausen's central train station. This unique venue serves as a hub for high-quality artistic activities and a welcoming space for project-based residencies in the region. At kitev, we support innovative, experimental, and interdisciplinary artists, fostering dialogue between diverse artistic practices and actively engaging with the local community. Our projects operate at the interface between art, architecture and urban planning and a lot with citizen participation. Our key focus areas include: Practicing art for social change Urban development Integrating migrants into the local community

About the accomodation

The project will take place in Oberhausen, a city of industrial heritage between the rivers Emscher and Ruhr in the Ruhr Area, located close to the Netherlands, Cologne and Düsseldorf. Despite or maybe because of being a rather small and poor city in this huge metropolitan area, Oberhausen's (sub-)cultural landscape is quite rich. Volunteers will be accommodated in separate apartments, conveniently located a short walk from the Central Station, where kitev is housed. Each volunteer will receive a monthly allowance that includes pocket-, food- and transport money.

About the leisure activities

Volunteers will receive comprehensive support, including: - Linguistic Support: Assistance to help you overcome language barriers and fully engage with the local community in Oberhausen. - Pre-Departure Training: Preparation to help you understand what to expect and how to make the most of your time with us. - On-Arrival Training: An orientation to familiarize you with Oberhausen, kitev, and your new environment. - Task-Related Training: Guidance and instruction to equip you with the skills necessary for your specific activities.

Requirements

The Participant profile: Participant profile We are looking for 2 volunteers (approx. 22–30 years old) who are motivated to explore how art, culture, and urban practice can contribute to social change. You don’t need perfect German or English, communication happens in many ways at kitev. Much more important are your attitude, openness, and willingness to learn. We are searching for people who: • Are open-minded and respectful, as our team is diverse in terms of countries, cultures, genders, and identities, and we work closely with people from very different social backgrounds • Bring empathy, good social skills, and positive energy • Are flexible, adaptable, and comfortable with dynamic, sometimes unpredictable grassroots work • Are motivated to learn from intercultural experiences and social challenges • Are ready to support each other as a team and work toward shared goals Priority will be given to volunteers who have experience or strong interest in one or more of the following areas: • Project writing, management, or implementation (e.g. Erasmus+, CERV, AMIF, or other social/cultural/educational projects) • Graphic design & social media communication (visual content creation, documentation, storytelling, online presence) • Technical & hands-on skills (e.g. building or setting up sound systems, stage/space setup, light/sound support, basic construction or repair work) Additionally, it is an advantage if you have: • Background, studies, or experience in arts, architecture, urban planning, cultural management, or design • Interest in citizen participation, urban development, and art for social change • Awareness of social inequalities and different forms of oppression in society As we aim to create safer and more inclusive spaces, applications from FLINTA* Queer* people are especially welcome. Bonus points: Vegan cooking skills and good music taste are always appreciated And please - no motivational letters written by ChatGPT. We want to hear your voice.Deadline: 30/06/2026 23:00