ArtVenture – Volunteering Abroad in the Arts

By: John DoeMay 13, 2016

Going abroad, it seems that most artistic volunteers are looking for a new adventure, international experience and inspiration in other cultures. Volunteer opportunities promise to give life purpose by helping other people, but I was not looking for that. Of course, everybody desires to have a fulfilling life that has meaning. My artistic journey has often been linked to making a difference in others’ lives and I got recognition for that, but I never saw my work as serving them. It was more about discovering and challenging myself by doing mural art and about enjoying the strong connections with the locals. About a year ago I met the staff of the General Hospital Roatán in Honduras to collaborate on the design for a mural by listening to their ideas and appreciating the insights the locals gave me into their lives. With my design I wanted to show a different view on the island’s culture by celebrating its vibrant Garifuna heritage. The historical cultural heritage is playing a very important role, because cultural identity enables people to know where they came from and leads the way where they are going to. Since the media is focusing more on the obstacles that the country has to face, I wanted to show the good things which should be preserved. I wanted to help the Islanders to discover something great about themselves.