ESC Volunteering in Latvia 2026: Join the Sansusī Summer International Art & Culture Project
Young people interested in volunteering, cultural exchange, and artistic collaboration will have the opportunity to join the “Sansusī Summer ’26” ESC volunteering teams project in Latvia. The initiative brings together international volunteers in a rural artistic environment where creativity, solidarity, and community engagement are at the center of the experience.
Organized within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), the project aims to strengthen connections between local communities and international participants through cultural activities, volunteering, and collaborative living.
International ESC Volunteering Opportunity in Latvia
The Sansusī Summer ’26 project will take place at the Susēja Artist Residence Centre, located around 150 kilometers from Riga in the municipality of Aknīste, Latvia. The project will host 16 young volunteers from EU and programme countries for an immersive long-term volunteering experience focused on art, sustainability, and community participation.
The residence center is also home to the contemporary academic music and arts festival Sansusī, one of the unique cultural events in the Latvian countryside.
What Is the Main Goal of Sansusī Summer ’26?
The project is designed to encourage personal growth, intercultural dialogue, artistic exploration, and solidarity through practical volunteering activities.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Develop their creative and artistic abilities
- Experience community living in a rural environment
- Support cultural and artistic initiatives
- Engage in intercultural learning and teamwork
- Contribute to social inclusion and sustainability efforts
- Build meaningful international connections
The volunteering experience is based on the principle of “learning by doing,” allowing participants to actively shape their own learning journey throughout the project.
Activities and Volunteer Tasks
Throughout the project, volunteers will support the daily life and cultural activities of the Sansusī community while participating in hands-on projects and collaborative initiatives.
Main activities may include:
🎨 Assisting with artistic and cultural events
🌱 Supporting sustainability and eco-friendly practices
🚲 Participating in community-based activities
🎭 Helping during festival preparation and organization
🤝 Collaborating with local residents and international participants
🏕️ Contributing to collective living and shared responsibilities
Practical workshops may also be organized depending on the group’s needs and interests, including:
- Bike maintenance and usage
- Waste sorting and recycling
- Cooking workshops
- Tool and equipment usage
- Arts and culture sessions
- Language exchange activities
Experienced mentors and activity coordinators will support volunteers throughout the entire project.
Accommodation, Food, and Community Living
Participants will stay at the Susēja Artist Residence Centre, a former guesthouse adapted for artistic residencies and volunteering activities.
🏡 Accommodation includes:
- Shared dormitory-style rooms
- Fully equipped communal kitchen
- Shared bathrooms and showers
- Outdoor performance spaces and stages
- Common areas for workshops and social activities
Meals will be prepared collectively by volunteers, encouraging teamwork and community interaction.
The project strongly promotes environmentally friendly travel and sustainable living practices. Transportation during the activity may include:
- Walking
- Bicycles
- Public transport
- Hitchhiking
- Limited access to a small vehicle for emergencies and groceries
Who Can Apply?
The project is open to young people aged 18–30 from EU countries, Ukraine, and other eligible programme countries.
Ideal participants are expected to have:
✅ Motivation to learn and actively participate
✅ Interest or experience in arts and culture
✅ Openness to intercultural exchange
✅ Interest in rural community life
✅ Awareness of social inclusion and sustainability
✅ A valid visa for entry into the EU if required
Previous volunteering experience can be considered an advantage, but the project welcomes participants from diverse educational, social, and economic backgrounds.
A Unique ESC Experience Combining Art, Nature, and Community
Sansusī Summer ’26 offers far more than a traditional volunteering experience. It provides young people with the chance to explore creativity, engage in meaningful intercultural exchange, and live closely with an international community in the Latvian countryside.
For young people interested in:
- ESC volunteering projects,
- international youth mobility,
- cultural exchange programs,
- art and sustainability initiatives,
- or long-term volunteering opportunities in Europe,
this project stands out as a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional development.
📍 Location: Aknīste Municipality, Latvia
📅 Activity Dates: 9 July – 12 August 2026
🎭 Festival Dates: 7–9 August 2026
👥 Participants: 16 international volunteers
Click here more details and to apply
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