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Art Residency in Bolivian Amazon

location
4 - 48 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Below average response rate

Highlights

  • Share your art with the community
  • Gain experience by taking social action with your art
  • Become more passionate about art and nature
  • Make meaningful memories while enjoing the Bolivian culture
  • Visit the Aquicuana Reserve to get inspired

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

The residency is for artists who can adapt and work independently on their project and develop their own network of contacts in Riberalta.

Sustainable Bolivia is a NGO based in Riberalta, the heart of the Bolivian Amazon. We focus our work on sustainable community development and conservation actions.

Our volunteers have the opportunity to live and support our work at the Aquicuana Reserve and it's surroundings. This area of ...

About the program

Sustainable Bolivia is a NGO based in Riberalta, the heart of the Bolivian Amazon. We focus our work on sustainable community development and conservation actions.

Our volunteers have the opportunity to live and support our work at the Aquicuana Reserve and it's surroundings. This area of incredible biodiversity is located about 20 kilometers from the city of Riberalta in the Beni Department of the Bolivian Amazon. It is home to Lake San José, the plant-medicine retreat center Pisatahua, and two rural communities: San José and Warnes. Its name, Aquicuana, comes from the Tacana native language, meaning ‘land of the giant trees.’

There we promote initiatives to support education, scientific research, community development, regenerative agriculture and conservation actions.

We provide a open space for the community called "Comedor" where volunteers have internet access so that they can prepare and develop activities with the community. We also offer a Research Station and (depending on availability) accommodation in the city of Riberalta if volunteers want to visit, shop or go out during the weekends.

Sustainable Bolivia is currently looking for artists who could get in contact with locals and develop the cultural exchange. You are also welcome if you are an independent artist who wants to come for a personal project on which you can work on your own. In an effort to fully integrate the resident as well as provide a service to the community, the selected candidate will also have the opportunity to volunteer with the two rural communities next to the Aquicuana Reserve.

Selected applicants are provided space in the volunteer cabin at the Pisatahua Retreat to create their work and support to find where to buy their materials, we recommend you bring your own equipment as it might be difficult to find in Riberalta.

Typical day

The art residency program is a residency is for artists who can adapt and work independently on their project and develop their own network of contacts in Riberalta. It is recommended to speak Spanish as well.

However, if the resident also wants to volunteer with us, that would include the ...

Typical day

The art residency program is a residency is for artists who can adapt and work independently on their project and develop their own network of contacts in Riberalta. It is recommended to speak Spanish as well.

However, if the resident also wants to volunteer with us, that would include the following responsibilities:

  • Preparing and implementing artistic activities around music, painting, drawing, dance, etc. with two rural communities.
  • Prepare a project with the children in the arts (a play, a drawing/painting, renovation work, a small concert, etc.)
The volunteers will work directly with the staff and educators.

Free-time activities

In their free time, volunteers can enjoy a lot of activities around Riberalta such as enjoying the nature of the Amazon (tours, trekking) and the animals, enjoying the rivers (boat tours) or the swimming pools in the city. It is also very easy to go to Brazil where you there is a lot of amenities ...

Free-time activities

In their free time, volunteers can enjoy a lot of activities around Riberalta such as enjoying the nature of the Amazon (tours, trekking) and the animals, enjoying the rivers (boat tours) or the swimming pools in the city. It is also very easy to go to Brazil where you there is a lot of amenities for shopping.


If volunteers want to travel, there is a lot to see in Bolivia itself (easily accessible by plane) such as the salt flats, the Titicaca Lake, the cities of La Paz, Sucre and Tarija (this last one for the wines), the mines of Potosi and of course its incredible nature and the parks around Santa Cruz (Amboro) or Samaipata, and around Villa Tunari.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

Education Requirements

Art at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV and Passport

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Basic Spanish

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by Sustainable Bolivia

    All Prices Include:

    • Pre-arrival support
    • Accommodation at the Aquicuana Reserve
    • 3 meals a day (vegetarian/vegan option possible)
    • Volunteer or internship placement
    • 24-hour staff support
    • Drinkable water
    • Internet access
    • Orientation
    • Airport pick up (in Riberalta) and initial transportation to the Reserve
    • Cleaning services
    • Discount to Plant Medicine Retreat Pisatahua

Airport Pickup at Gen Buech Airport

Airport pick up from the city of Riberalta

Accommodation

We offer accommodation inside the Aquicuana Reserve and share Pisatahua Retreat's infrastructure. Volunteers and interns share dorm rooms in our sustainable ecolodges, the volunteer cabin and the research station.

About infrastructure in Pisatahua:

We employ energy-efficient innovations to enhance the comfort and aesthetic experience of our guests.  We make every possible attempt to utilize local, natural, and sustainable building materials for housing and furniture.

We use renewable energy resources and we’ve implemented simple, cost-efficient, energy and water conservation measures.  We treat grey-water and recycle all our waste.

Our facilities were constructed with sustainably-harvested wood, bamboo, and palm leaves. We designed all of our infrastructure in accordance with traditional construction techniques; however, these methodologies were adapted to meet our specific needs. Local community members are employed for all our construction and maintenance needs.

All construction methods minimized the removal of vegetation.  The trees whose lives we spared return the favor by cooling down the area and shielding our guests from the sun.

We constructed limited number of elevated walkways to prevent soil erosion and protect fragile ecosystems.  These walkways also protect our guests from the jungle elements.

Energy and Water Conservation:

Due to our remote location, we’re completely off-grid and we must generate our own electricity.  Electricity use is limited to power a few appliances such as common-area lighting, water pumps, and kitchen equipment.

We’ve taken steps to minimize our water usage by implementing a few simple measures including: low-flow restrictor valves, low-flow toilets and water saving nozzles. Furthermore, guests are required to use 100% biodegradable, phosphorous-free soap and shampoo.

Some of our energy conservation measures include:

  • Renewable solar energy light-bulbs
  • Drying racks on clothes line
  • Reusing towels and linens
  • High efficiency appliances
  • Energy efficient refrigeration
Our goal is to Leave-No-Trace when it comes to waste. Anything we pack in, we bring out. We recycle everything we can in the city of Riberalta.  All organic matter from the kitchen is composted. A conscious effort is made to reduce all packaging. Whenever possible we purchase supplies made from recycled materials.

Food & Beverages

  • Drinkable water available
  • 3 meals per day (vegetarian/vegan option possible)

Internet Access

Limited access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Gen Buech Airport (RIB) in Riberalta. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Bolivia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

When can your start volunteering?
Volunteers can join the program throughout all year round.

How to get to Riberalta?
First you would have to fly into Bolivia - either La Paz (LPB) or Santa Cruz (VVI). From there you can take a connecting flight with the airline Ecojet to Riberalta. There are daily flights that cost about $120 each way. We typically recommend you fly into Santa Cruz as the connections are easier. Contact us for information to purchase a flight with a local travel agency.
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 596€
12 weeks 1,193€
16 weeks 1,789€
48 weeks (max. stay) 7,158€
Average fees 149€/week

Program fees

149€ per week 4 - 48 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

4 - 48 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Sustainable Bolivia during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

Sustainable Bolivia

Excellent 4.8 rating (17 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2006

Verified by Volunteer World

  Below average response rate

Coordinated by

Erik

Spoken languages: English, Spanish

About the project

Founded in 2007, Sustainable Bolivia is an international non-profit organization with conservation and sustainable development initiatives in the Bolivian Amazon

Meet your organization

Founded in 2007, Sustainable Bolivia (SB) is a 501 (c) 3 international non-profit organization with conservation and sustainable development initiatives in the Bolivian Amazon.


Our Work in the Aquicuana Reserve

In 2016, we helped secure protection for more than 20,000 hectares of rainforest, establishing the Aquicuana Reserve. Inside the Reserve, we partner with local communities and oversee projects focused on community-based ecotourism, conservation and resource management, and environmental education/research.


Our Work in Riberalta

In the nearby city of Riberalta, SB supports local organizations with volunteer placementsand micro-grant funding.  We provide local scholarships and organize internships, art residencies, and research opportunities for international students and professionals.  We also oversee a Spanish and Indigenous Language School providing instruction in the native Chacobo, Cavineño and Ese Ejja languages.

17 reviews · rating4.8

PAOLO Ventruri rating5

2022 at English Teaching in Bolivian Amazon

I volunteered in a hogar for children and teenagers, helping in the daily management and after school. A typical day was to wake up early in the morning and help prepare breakfast, accompany them to school and play in the afternoon and create small activities including teaching basic English. In ...
Google Translator: The organization needed updates to their web sites. My profession is web design. I have done the work comfortably, because the office has a good environment in the center of Riberalta. In addition, the relationship with the coordinator (Erik) could not be better. I highlight ...
Fernanda Aguero rating5

2022 at Graphic Designer in the Bolivian Amazon

I helped build logos, design informational material for the organization, and plan and create content for Sustainable Bolivia's social media. It was a very fulfilling opportunity and a unique experience where I was able to connect more with the culture of Bolivia and learn a lot about the fauna, ...
Yosquin Gilbos rating5

2022 at Independent Research in Bolivian Amazon

I wanted to be in the Amazon and achieve something meaningful there. After discussing with local biologist and supervisor Vincent Vos, I decided to illustrate a map of the new Aquicuana Municipal Reserve. As of writing this review the map is unfinished, and I doubt I'll ever feel like it will do the ...
I felt safe and supported navigating a new country, culture and language. I had the opportunity to volunteer at a local orphanage in the afternoons, access to spanish classes and staying a duration with a local family. To this day I am still touched by this unforgettable experience in Bolivia. It ...
I came to Riberalta, Bolivia, on 2019. I had a little experience teaching English to children in a daycare but coming here definitely helped me develop those skills. We’ll start the class singing and making a circle together. We’ll play to learn vocabulary related to colors, weather, animals, ...

Location

Americas > South America > Bolivia > Riberalta

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Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Culture and Arts in Bolivia
Contact Erik
  Below average response rate
English, Spanish

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