Esperanzah! An alternative way of making a World music festival

CODE: BE-SCI 12.4

Description: ‘Esperanzah!’, active for 20 years now, is an alternative music festival characterized by an open attitude to the world and based on discovery. Its program expresses cultural diversity and deliberately goes against monopolies, algorithms, and the mainstream. Esperanzah! also tries to develop a meaningful, committed, and sustainable socio-cultural approach. Associations and their commitments are provided with a special space. The Esperanzah! team wishes to demonstrate that it is possible to organize a large-scale event while respecting the environment (dry toilets, reusable cups, etc.) and not collaborating with large multinationals, instead working with small local producers. It is not just about participating in a festive event, but, above all, about creating a project addressing societal

Type of Work: Volunteers will help with the installation and dismantling of the festival structures (tents, barriers, decorations, stages, etc.). The Esperanzah!-SCI team consists of 12 people. Seven camp leaders will also join them during the week preceding the festival. One among them will be leading the SCI volunteers. The “decoration” team may ask volunteers for help if needed. During the festival (25/07 to 27/07), volunteers will have the opportunity to attend concerts. At the beginning of the festival, all volunteers will be asked to visit the different stands of the associative village, "Village des possibles," to learn about the different alternative solutions they propose.

Study Theme: For the past 20 years, Esperanzah! has been developing a committed alternative cultural approach aimed at creating a new society based on societal, solidarity-related, anti-productivist, ecological, democratic, anti-racist, and feminist values. Throughout the year, more than 30 associations participate in the "Village des possibles," and they work together to define the common message they wish to convey during the festival towards a convergence of multiple fights for societal change. The festival is also implementing the SACHA Plan (Safe Attitude Against Harassment and Aggression).

Accommodation: A large room in one of the buildings on the abbey grounds will accommodate the volunteers. It is important to bring a mattress (the floor is tiled) and your sleeping bag. The association "Collectactif" organizes the catering for all the festival volunteers. This association fights against food waste by collecting and cooking food that is still consumable. However, vegan attendees may find the food offerings repetitive (it is recommended to bring additional food if needed).

Language: The language for communicating within the group is English. Be aware that the festival's local team mostly speaks French.

Requirements: Previous volunteering experience is required. A motivation letter is also required. Volunteers must join this project not only for its festive aspect but also for the values it stands for. Volunteers are expected to get involved in the work, independently and despite the fatigue associated with the festive atmosphere. Please take into account that the work may be heavy and physical.

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 camps will have an additional fee of €50.00. This will cover: local hosting costs; International Insurance costs for the volunteer; a small travel fund to enable disadvantaged volunteers to join projects; SCI International administration costs.