San Telmo is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Historically, it was Buenos Aires’s first industrial area that eventually became inhabited by the well to do. However, in 1871 a yellow fever epidemic swept through Buenos Aires and the rich abandoned San Telmo and moved north to Recoleta, Palermo, and Belgrano.

Today artists, poets, young travelers and working class families inhabit San Telmo. Its historic cobblestone streets lead to antique shops, boutique bookstores and tasty family bakeries. It is perhaps best known for its local antiques fair that attracts tourists and locals alike every Sunday.

For me however, the best thing about San Telmo was becoming integrated in the local community by doing my internship at the local newspaper. My time working at the newspaper was one of the highlights of my time in Buenos Aires. I mainly worked with Catherine who is the paper’s editor and director. Working with Catherine really taught me a lot about hard work, organization and focus. Also, Cat speaks perfect English so I was able to clearly communicate with her which helped me do more for the paper. She was always helpful and encouraging; and full of advice on good things to see and do in Buenos Aires!

My workdays were always varied. During the first week, I interviewed people in cafes and bars to collect quotes for that month’s issue of the newspaper. I also took photos of the people that I interviewed and of local graffiti for another article. While doing this work, I was able to practice Spanish and also get to know the locals of San Telmo. Later on, I was asked by Cat to help conduct an internal survey of the newspaper. My job was to individually meet with members of the staff and interview them about their involvement in the San Telmo newspaper. I enjoyed this interview process as I got to know the individual members of the staff and really could make an impact on the direction of the paper.

Cat was also very helpful with contacting my University and filling out the correct forms to ensure that I got credit for my internship in Argentina. I recently heard that the San Telmo newspaper received a grant from the city to assist them in their operations. There is a bright future ahead for them and if you get the opportunity to have an internship here I highly recommend that you do it!

contact Volunteer Work Latin America to enquire about the vacancies!

The post Volunteer Report of the San Telmo Newspaper project in Buenos Aires appeared first on Blog - Volunteer Work Latinamerica.

This small theater prides itself on expressing independent art forms, with none of the commercial blockbuster attitudes that dominate the Hollywood scene. More than just a theater, it is really a cultural center featuring an eclectic program full of live music, theatre plays and art performances. In the afternoons there are also acting classes for children of the neighborhood.

What makes this project so unique is that the performers are encouraged to step out of the box, let their creative juices flow liberally while getting up and close to the audience. The space has room for maximum 80 equally free minded art devotees that all enjoy the personal interaction and cozy living room atmosphere, while having a glass of wine and some superbly prepared canapés by the in-house chef.

Ine van der Stock from Belgium volunteered at the theatre and in continuation will share her view of what it is like to be involved with this project and its crew:

I was assigned to be the personal assistant of the lighting guy. While he moved around with a huge ladder from left to right to adjust the spotlights over the stage, am I positioned at the switchboard waiting for his signals to switch the different sets of lamps on and off. Tough job, but entertaining nonetheless!

After that we prepare the theater hall, a lovely little area where the audience is seated on sofas, cushions or chairs at tables with flowers in candlelight. During the performances it is also allowed to drink and eat something which creates a very pleasant and unpretentious ambiance. Luckily we get to enjoy a warm meal in between preparation and stage time as well.

Before every show I get to welcome the guests, cut their tickets and ask them to switch off their cell phones. At the end of the evening I must repeat about 20 times where the toilet is and say goodbye to everyone again, with the Argentinean kisses of course. I also helped tidying up the theatre, cleaning the plates and glasses and with preparing the programs.

My colleagues are very friendly and social, and mostly men (including a few customary Don Juan’s). They were all very keen to teach me the ropes but also eager to hear about my experiences and travels. Interestingly they all had other occupations in their ‘real lives’ during the day; one has a record studio and others are studying or working as an actor, and no one seemed to need much sleep at all.

Now they know that I am qualified in marketing they also asked for some promotional tips. The idea of introducing a loyalty card was greatly received. I also gave suggestions on how to apply for a grant or sponsorships in Europe.

I was surprised by the amount and quality of the shows. It was very interesting to see how a theatre transforms in preparation for a show, including its artists. During the shows I didn’t need to work and could enjoy the performance just like the rest with an empanada and vino. I’ve seen quite a lot, from an experimental jazz musical to an eccentric clown’s act for adults!

Overall, I really enjoyed the 4 weeks I spent at this lovely theatre and even though I have had my cultural doses for the rest of the year, I wished we had more venues like this at home as well!

If you are interested in participating at this unconventional theatre, a background in theater productions is desirable, but an interest in the progressive arts is a must!

Please realize that you need to be flexible with your working hours because the performances are scheduled towards the end of the week and on the weekends.

For more info please contact Volunteer Work Latin America referring to the volunteer project in Buenos Aires: CT08.

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