West fjords & Reykjavík: Music Festival

WORK/PROJECT:

SEEDS volunteers will be part of the annual music festival “Við Djúpið”. The festival is held in the ‘capital’ of the West Fjords, Ísafjörður, around summer solstice every year. The event offers series of concerts and master classes, which are held in close cooperation with the Iceland Academy of Arts. During the last 8 years the festival has offered master classes and concerts with nation- and worldwide known artists.

We will share all types of tasks related to the festival and the group will be split according to the needs to give everyone the chance to try out different assignments. The input of volunteers will make a big difference in making the festival an impressive cultural event.

The tasks include receiving guests at the airport, driving them, selling entrance tickets, controlling at the entrances in the venues, helping during the classes and concerts, guiding and assisting participants and audience, setting up the venues before and after the concerts and a wide variety of many different duties. We are an integral part of creating a special festival atmosphere in Ísafjörður and shall be prepared for flexible time schedule (like for evenings & weekends).

The last couple of days in this camp will take place in Reykjavík, the capital of Iceland. We will explore the world’s northernmost capital and get a glimpse of this dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources.

ACCOMMODATION:

Volunteers will stay at a local house/school; volunteers will sleep on mattresses on the floor and need to bring a warm sleeping bag.

Volunteers will be provided with food and be in charge of the cooking themselves.

Do not forget some traditional/typical food from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATIONS:

Ísafjörður is surrounded by mountains that offer endless opportunities to enjoy nature and wilderness during all seasons. Despite its small population, the town has a rather urban, or one could say international, atmosphere. It is known throughout the country for its rich cultural life, with music and visual arts having long tradition and firm roots in the town’s history.

In the West fjords one travels through the whole range of Icelandic flora from the shore and meadows, through birch and willow, to mossy moors. On a stroll amidst the driftwood on the shore one can see birds and seals and then an occasional arctic fox around the deserted farmsteads.

In the month of June, when the camp takes place, the sun never fully sets at this degree of latitude and the nights are as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical with almost 24 hours of sunlight and staying awake enjoying the beautiful surroundings is a unique experience.

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland, often called “the nightlife capital of the north”. But there is more to Reykjavík than pubs and clubs. Reykjavík also gathers the most interesting of Icelandic culture. It is an incubator of new ideas and styles which often indicates new global trends.

LANGUAGE:

English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL:

Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

SEEDS organises the “minibus option”, a shared transport from Reykjavík to the camps and vice-versa, which apart from being cheaper and more convenient, allows volunteers to meet fellow campers and have a relaxed trip, while stopping on the way for interesting and tourist sites.

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS:

Participation fee EUR 140 (Euros).

Volunteers need to be motivated to work at the music festival and be willing to take part in all the diverse tasks connected with the project.

Excursions from Reykjavík (Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, South shore, etc) arranged for SEEDS at discount fares.

Age: 20 -35