Canvas Art Program: Volunteer with the Arts

  Thailand

• Chiang Mai: 
Chiang Mai

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: The Canvas Art Program is looking for volunteers from a wide-range of backgrounds and experiences. The only requirement is an enthusiasm for what we do and an appreciation of the arts as a tool for social change. There are opportunities for art therapists, musicians, writers, office assistants, and everything in between.

The Canvas Art Program volunteer can expect to play a large role with many projects. Unlike other volunteer placements, the art program works with a diversity of groups that focuses on a variety of social issues. The volunteer will have an opportunity to work with various populations including: Burmese refugees, indigenous hill tribes groups, and children from a local orphanage. This opportunity is ideal for someone who likes to be involved in numerous projects and can work independently as well as with a group. There are opportunities to work with other local artists on projects as well as design and implement your own creative visions. If you prefer to be more behind the scenes, there are also opportunities for curriculum development and grant writing.

Highlights: All of Cultural Canvas Thailand's volunteer placements deal with social issues such as discrimination and the abuse of basic human rights. You will be learning about the lives of people from another culture and the problems they face such as poverty, hunger, disease, prejudice and many others. You will build relationships and gain an understanding of the issues confronting Thailand and many other parts of the world.

Qualifications: We welcome service from all walks of life and levels of experience. No specific training is required but becoming acquainted with the issues pertaining to your placement prior to arrival in Chiang Mai is a good idea. If you have an interest or background in a related area, for example we are always interested in people with an art background for our Canvas program, that is a double bonus for us.

Volunteers should be self-motivated, patient, team-oriented, compassionate, independent and respectful. Remember that the issues you will be dealing can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. Please read carefully through our website to be sure that you are up to the task.

Cost in US$: Varies based on program length, see website

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Cultural Canvas volunteers tend to be more interested in volunteering than travelling. We draw a slightly older and more experienced volunteer. We are, of course, open to anyone, however we hope that you will bring a serious attitude to your placement.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Thailand Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Cultural Canvas Thailand's Mission Statement: The mission of Cultural Canvas Thailand is to generate awareness and volunteer support of the current social issues facing Chiang Mai, Thailand. We promote equality, community interaction, and social change through artistic outreach and volunteer services in conjunction with local organizations. Culural Canvas Thailand and our partner organizations focus on education and assistance in the following areas: HIV/AIDS, refugees, impoverished ethnic minorities, and sex workers.

Year Founded: 2005