Esperanzah! An alternative way of making a World music festival

CODE: BE-SCI 06

Description

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 change through artists and their music.

Type of Work

Volunteers will help with setting up and dismantling the festival infrastructure (tents, barriers, backstage areas, etc.). The work is physical and can sometimes be repetitive. The Esperanzah! team is composed of 12 people, joined by 7 volunteer coordinators during the week leading up to the festival. One of these coordinators will be specifically responsible for supporting the SCI volunteers.

SCI volunteers will be integrated into a larger team of around one hundred festival volunteers. They will take part in the daily morning task briefings and follow the general pace of the festival setup. During the festival itself (between 31/07 and 02/08), volunteers will have the opportunity to attend some of the concerts.

We will also ask all volunteers to take some time at the beginning of the festival to visit the different stands in the associative village (“Village des possibles”) to learn about the various social and ecological alternatives presented there.

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.

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).