Cyprus: ESC: ESC Volunteer – Socially Engaged Arts & Community Projects, Nicosia

About the local hosting organization

Visual Voices is a newly established non-profit organization based in Nicosia, Cyprus with the intention to work internationally on arts-based peacebuilding programs with other civil-society organizations, research centres and artists. Our principle interests are to strengthen the capacity of young artists (18-35 years old) affected by violent conflict and to build non-commercial platforms of expression for them to share their voice through contemporary visual art. In doing so, we aim to combine traditional arts-based peacebuilding activities with substantive peace advocacy campaigns. For this reason, we define ourselves as working at the intersection between strategic social art and peacebuilding. Our relevant and/ or regular activities include: art-based peacebuilding, artistic residencies, peace education workshops, conferences, networking, presentations, campaigning, research. We believe that our target group, youth artists from communities affected by violent conflict, have substantial potential to promote positive social change. If done in a positive, forward-looking manner, youth addressing the challenges they face and/or see in their communities (that have resulted from conflict) within their art serves to stimulate dialogue and peace-oriented social narratives. To achieve this Visual Voices links peace education with the creative space young artists need to express themselves artistically. Reaching beyond immediate activity participants, Visual Voices supports young artists to share their work through conferences, presentations, campaigns and traditional and online exhibitions. As we continue to establish ourselves as an organization through developing an international network of civil society organizations, we find that there is significant interest in our approach both from professional artists and local practitioners. At this point we have an international network of 24 organizations in Asia, the MENA region and Europe. This is also supported by our internationally based Board of Directors and Technical Advisors, all of whom have a strong professional background in disciplines relevant to our organization’s mission. More information about the organization and our team is available at: www.visual-voices.org

Presentation of the programme

Join Visual Voices, an NPO based in Nicosia working at the intersection of arts, culture and peacebuilding. As an ESC volunteer you'll support one or more of: research and M&E, non-formal education/curriculum development, project development (including contribution to new project proposals), or project management (logistics, communications, design, event/exhibition support). The exact focus is shaped around your interests and skills. You'll contribute to programs promoting social inclusion, intercommunal dialogue in Cyprus, including supporting artists from marginalised backgrounds. You'll be mentored by our team throughout, with structured learning goals and Youthpass validation.

About the accomodation

Visual Voices staff will assist with finding safe, convenient accommodation near our workspace in the old town Nicosia. A monthly food allowance and pocket money are provided in line with ESC rates. We help you set up before arrival and provide a local handbook covering transport, safety and emergency contacts in Nicosia.

About the leisure activities

On-arrival induction covering safety, tasks and expectations. Ongoing one-to-one mentoring, regular check-ins, and access to a local mentor. 

Requirements

The Participant profile: Open to youth interested in arts and culture, social inclusion, peacebuilding, community development. No prior experience required, as the role adapts to your background. We're looking for someone committed and detail-oriented, happy to support with admin and team tasks, sensitive to the context we work in, open to learning from the team, and a genuine team player. We especially welcome applicants facing fewer opportunities (discrimination, cultural, social, geographical barriers) with reinforced mentoring available.Deadline: