Nomadic Art Camp (project of bArtCenter, Kyrgyzstan)

Nomadic Art Camp
Nomadic Art Camp
Nomadic Art Camp

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Nomadic Art Camp, an ecological and social project that brings together creative people from different continents, is dedicated to creating international dialogue around topics sustainability, environmental threats, consumer culture, and the impact of nomadic life onmountain communities.

Since 2011, the Nomadic Art Camp, has convened artists, curators and researchers from different countries to share into the traditional way of life of Kyrgyz nomads on the shores of mountain lakes in the Tien Shan foothills on the Great Silk Road. They stay in a nomadic Kyrgyz yurts and travel to well-known, local, natural attractions to research this multi-ethnic country with amazing nature, rich history, spirituality, culture and biological diversity, encompassing traditional nomadic culture, shamanism, holy places, fauna and flora in a post-soviet setting.

The participants were also encouraged to partake in various aspects of the ecology and culture as a source for pure foods, recreation, detoxification, mental awakening, and restorative health from the medicinal properties of plants, music and folklore. The setting itself is an artistic muse.

More detailed information about the project is available online or as download: http://bishkekart.kg/gallery/book/ & https://vimeo.com/144071053

Today, as our world is up-ended by a pandemic that has pushed urgent issues such as climate change, economic sustainability and biocultural preservation to the back burner, kind of international exchange created by Nomadic Art Camp is more vital than ever. Building on ten years of programming, our aim for the next five years is to create new bridges among communities around the world and activate a platform for long-term intercultural, interdisciplinary collaboration between different countries, facilitating an ongoing dialogue that characterized by the concept of exchange – among countries, between older and younger generations, between traditional and contemporary art.

MAIN TASKS AND POSSIBILITIES:

  • Before the Nomadic Art Camp: Work remotely supporting with graphic design and video editing, promote and help with design of (new) website and Instagram page
  • During the Nomadic Art Camp: Participate in the Nomadic Art Camp in Kyrgyzstan July or August. Support with photo-video shooting and production film
  • If possible/desired: One month Art Residency in April in Munich together with Kyrgyz artist

VOLUNTEER PROFILE:

  • A volunteer should be open-minded and reliable
  • It is also important for a volunteer to be able to work independently. Previous experience with social media would be an asset.
  • Good knowledge of English is a must (some Russian might also be useful)

CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION:

  • Minimum age: 18 years
  • Composition of a report on your engagement on returning
  • Interest in the respective region and in the work of SCI Switzerland
  • Participation in a preparatory seminar
  • Pass on your own experiences to new volunteers after the assignment

SCI SWITZERLAND AND B’ART CENTER OFFER:

  • Food and lodging on site
  • Assistance by SCI Switzerland before departure, during the assignment and after returning
  • Invitation letter for visas if needed
  • Preparation and evaluation of the assignment
  • One-year membership with SCI Switzerland (incl. SCI newsletter, reduction of seminar fees, etc.)
  • Visa service if desired

COSTS:

  • Participation fee: CHF 690.- (There is a reduction of CHF 30.- for those with no or little income)
  • Local administration fee (Arrival transfer incl.): USD 142.-
  • 1-month language course (when needed): USD 400.-
  • 1-month homestay (2 meals per day included): USD 520.-
  • Travel expenses (you will have to organize the trip yourself)
  • Costs for visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, etc. (visa service via SCI)

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If you cancel a program you must in any case pay 60% of the participation fee. If we receive the cancellation later than three weeks before the start of the program, or in the event of a no-show or early termination of the program, you will pay the entire registration fee.

Why pay for volunteering?

SCI Switzerland is a certified non-profit organisation. In order to organise and arrange volunteer placements, as well as for the preparation and follow-up of volunteers and camp coordinators, we rely on participation fees, membership fees and donations. The participation fee covers only a small part of the real expenses. SCI Switzerland is mainly supported by its long-standing members and donors, as well as by state funding. Furthermore, SCI Switzerland realises the workcamps mainly with the help of the local project partners.

REGISTRATION:

  1. Read the terms and conditions carefully (above).
  2. Inquire about travel expenses, visa requirements and health matters.
  3. If you have any questions, please contact Nathalia: nathalia.zimmermann@scich.org / 031 381 46 20.
  4. Request the registration form, fill it out carefully and send it to Nathalia. Your registration is final, cancellation fees will apply. 

WHAT HAPPENS THEN?

We will check your registration carefully. If you meet the conditions for participation, we will forward your registration to our local partner organization. This will decide on the inclusion in the project. As soon as we have received an answer, we will inform you and discuss the next steps with you.

This project is part of the “Eastwards” programme. Eastwards offers projects in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, not only long-term volunteering, but also Russian language courses, stays with host families, cultural trips for groups and internships.