This August, the ACE²-EU European University Alliance’s volunteering programme, ACE RISE (Reach, Inspire, Serve, Engage), brought seven students from Germany, Lithuania, Romania and Latvia to Riga, where they took part in volunteer activities with local cultural and creative organisations.
From 10 to 16 August, four volunteers worked as gallery assistants at “TUR telpa”, a contemporary art space located in one of Riga’s well-known creative neighbourhoods. They supported the installation and preparation of an artist exhibition while gaining first-hand insight into curatorial work, gallery practices and the day-to-day work of a contemporary art space.
Two other students joined “RE RIGA!”, a contemporary circus and street art festival organised by Riga Circus. Through their volunteer work, they contributed to the delivery of one of Riga’s well-known cultural events and gained practical experience of working behind the scenes of a large-scale cultural festival.
At the end of August, another volunteer joined the creative team at “Lastādija” and “Paraugtipogrāfija”, two culturally vibrant spaces developed by Free Riga, an NGO supporting the creative communities and artist residencies. As an event coordinator, the volunteer helped the team prepare the final event of the season, bringing together local bands, creative performances and activities celebrating the neighbourhood and its community.
Through these diverse experiences, the ACE RISE volunteers had the opportunity to engage directly with Riga’s cultural and creative scene, develop practical skills and contribute to the work of local organisations and communities.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Project No. 101177596.