Cinghiali Volanti Camp

CODE: IT-SCI W.10

Cinghiali Volanti Fest is an annual three-day festival of art, music, and live performances held in the village of Casoli di Camaiore. It is organized by the non-profit association Code per Curiosi, which promotes the connection between art, nature, culture, and community engagement. The festival features workshops, educational activities, art exhibitions, street performances, live concerts, and a local craft market that showcases artisans and artists from the surrounding area, attracting visitors from across the region. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Apuan Alps and the village’s distinctive “sgraffiti” murals, the event takes place in several locations throughout Casoli, including Palazzo Murabito, the cultural and artistic heart of the village, as well as the Canonica and Sala Don Beppe, which host both festival activities and the volunteers involved in the organization of the event.

Study theme

During the camp, volunteers will have the opportunity to gain practical skills in organizing and managing a festival, learning how to coordinate activities, staff, and resources, and how to collaborate in community-based projects. They will also learn how to build networks between local artists and artisans, and how to manage logistical aspects such as event set-up, technical support, catering, and hospitality. In addition, they will develop skills in communication and promotion, including social media management, and improve their ability to engage with the local community, artists, and the public. Volunteers will learn skills related to the logistical and organizational management of a festival, including space planning and the development and promotion of crowdfunding campaigns. They will also have the opportunity to take part in Kika Kalliopi Takaki’s workshop on community storytelling and digital media, gaining a deeper understanding of how the festival is connected to its artistic, cultural, and natural surroundings. Finally, they will have the chance to explore the area around Casoli, discover the Apuan Alps, and learn about the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the village and the surrounding region.

Work description

SCI volunteers will be involved in the daily activities required for the organization of the festival, assisting with the setup and set off of the spaces dedicated to performances, concerts, and workshops, as well as supporting kitchen operations, table service, and dishwashing during the festival. They will also help prepare and install informational signage throughout the village for visitors and provide assistance to artists and audience, accompanying them to their accommodations and supporting them with any needs that may arise during the event. During the month of August, due to the hot temperatures, volunteers will generally work around six hours per day, divided between the morning and the afternoon/evening, with any schedule changes arranged according to the festival’s needs. Accommodation and common spaces will be shared with the festival staff, other volunteers, and participating artists at the Canonica and Sala Don Beppe.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation will be provided at the parish house (Canonica). The Canonica has beds, and we will provide bed sheets, pillowcases, and pillows. Rooms will generally be shared and mixed-gender, although separate rooms can be arranged according to participants’ needs. There is one shared bathroom located on the same floor as the bedrooms, as well as two additional sinks in the hallway for brushing teeth and other personal hygiene needs.

Participants should bring their own towels, a sleeping bag (as evenings may be cool), shampoo, soap, toothbrush, and any other personal hygiene items they consider necessary. The use of hairdryers and hair straighteners should be kept to a minimum to avoid overloading the electrical system. Hot water is supplied by a small boiler, so it is important to use water responsibly and allow a few minutes between showers so the boiler can reheat the water.

Meals will be served buffet-style at Sala Don Beppe, located a short walk from the Canonica, at agreed meal times. The kitchen and grocery shopping will be managed by Code per Curiosi. Sala Don Beppe will also serve as the dining area for staff members and artists. If participants expect to be absent during a meal due to excursions or other activities, they should inform the organizers the evening before.

There is only one small grocery store, bar, and tobacconist in the village. The nearest supermarket is located in Camaiore, approximately 6 km away. Mobile phone reception is limited because Casoli is situated on a hillside surrounded by mountains. Wi-Fi is available only at Bar Da Mario. The nearest bank is in Camaiore, and there is no ATM in Casoli.

Participants who have a driving licence are encouraged to bring it, as they may be asked to drive a vehicle provided by the Code per Curiosi staff if necessary or during specific activities.

**Emergency number:** 112.

Code per Curiosi will arrange insurance coverage for both volunteers and staff members.

Location and leisure

Tuscany Region, Province of Lucca, Casoli, a hamlet of the Municipality of Camaiore, situated in a hilly pre-mountain area approximately 10 km from the sea, in the region known as Versilia. The nearest towns and cities are Camaiore, Pietrasanta, Lucca, and Pisa.

During your free time, Casoli and its surrounding area offer many opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. From the village, you can access the marked by the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) trails of the Apuan Alps and explore nearby mountains such as Monte Prana, Monte Gabberi, and Monte Matanna, all of which can be reached in just over two hours on foot from the village. A river also runs through the valley, where you can enjoy natural pools of cold water for swimming and relaxation, easily accessible by walking from Casoli.

We therefore recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, hiking shoes, and comfortable clothing. These items will also be useful if you wish to visit the coast, which can be reached in about 30 minutes. We particularly recommend Lecciona Beach, a free-access natural beach located within the San Rossore Natural Park.

The nearest town is Camaiore, located in the valley below the village. From there, you can easily visit Pietrasanta, renowned as an important center of the artistic culture of Versilia, as well as Viareggio and the historic city of Lucca, all located approximately 30 minutes by car from Camaiore.

Requirements

There are no specific requirements to participate. We welcome anyone interested in being part of a working group that, during the festival days, puts its energy into creating a temporary community made up of artists, staff members, local residents, tourists, occasional visitors, and curious newcomers discovering these places for the first time.

The village is divided into an upper and a lower area, so participants should be prepared to walk for several hours each day, including climbing stairs and steep paths. However, the stunning scenery more than makes up for the effort: from Casoli, it is possible to enjoy panoramic views of the sea and a large stretch of the Tuscan coast, from Livorno to Lido di Camaiore.

Please note that a dust allergy may be an issue for those staying in the Canonica. In addition, participants with allergies to insect bites should take appropriate precautions, as the village is located in a rural, near-mountain environment. Bringing insect repellent and after-bite treatment is strongly recommended.

Special documents required: It's mandatory to attach a motivational letter to participate in the camp.