Art Residency in Bolivian Amazon
Coordinator | Erik
Coordinator | Erik
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
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
The residency is for artists who can adapt and work independently on their project and develop their own network of contacts in Riberalta.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
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 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 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.
Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (basic level)
or Spanish (basic level)
required
Art at High School level
CV and Passport
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Basic Spanish
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
- 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
All Prices Include:
Airport pick up from the city of Riberalta
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.
- Drinkable water available
- 3 meals per day (vegetarian/vegan option possible)
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Gen Buech Airport (RIB) in Riberalta. We assist you to find cheap flights to Bolivia.
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.
If you are intending to volunteer in Bolivia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Bolivia.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
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.
This program is paused due to COVID-19
4 - 48 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
$600
12 weeks
$1,200
16 weeks
$1,800
48 weeks
(max. stay)
$7,200
Average fees
$150
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Sustainable Bolivia
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
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.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Sustainable Bolivia cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Sustainable Bolivia.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Art Residency in Bolivian Amazon
The residency is for artists who can adapt and work independently on their project and develop their own network of contacts in Riberalta.
$150/week
You might be also interested in
Escazu, Costa Rica
As part of our local animal shelter, you'll be responsible for a variety of activities such as feeding, maintenance and engaging with animals!
Quepos, Costa Rica
Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific CR!
Tenerife, Spain
Contribute to critical whale & dolphin conservation initiatives in the beautiful subtropical island archipelago - Canary Islands.
Napoli, Italy
Help the refugee and migrant community to gain a foothold in Europe by supporting shelters, schools, health care and activities tailored to their long-term integration.
Riberalta, Bolivia
Give afterschool support in 2 rural communities in Riberalta, Bolivia. Support sustainable community development and conservation actions at the Aquicuana Reserve.
Riberalta, Bolivia
Sustainable Bolivia is currently looking for photographers or movie producers to help out in promoting its activities, content creation and more.
404 Not Found
Why am I seeing this?
You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.