Get to know our ESC volunteers - Baran Y.

Where are you from?

I am from Istanbul, Turkey.

What is your training or background in circus or the arts?

I don’t have a background in circus, but I have experience participating in and working in the arts. I made a short film with friends, and we won an award. When I was 16, I wrote a song, recorded it in a music studio, and published it online. In Turkey I have worked in several arts jobs. I worked in an arts and culture foundation as an assistant to the production team. I worked in film festivals, a jazz festival, a theatre festival, a children’s festival, the Istanbul Biennial, and an art gallery. I also worked for an organisation that hosts special art events.

What made you want to volunteer at Galway Community Circus?

I think the first thing that made me want to be a volunteer at Galway Community Circus was the position that was being offered. It really suited me. I was in the stage of my life where I wanted to explore different forms of art and different countries. I have worked for many types of arts organisations but never in circus. Circus has always intrigued me, so, when I saw Galway Community Circus and what they do, I took this chance.

Who is your sending organisation? Tell us about them.

My sending organisation is PI Youth Association. They are a non-governmental organization established for the rights that individuals between the ages of 15-30, namely young people, should have and the problems that need to be solved.

What do you love about working with Galway Community Circus?

The best thing about working with Galway Community Circus is the team and how they are helpful, unbiased, and positive. The door of the circus is open for everyone.

What project(s) are you working on at the Circus and what results (of those projects) do you hope to achieve?

I have been working on the Mayhem Youth Circus Festival and on the administration team for our Youth Circus programme. I am learning how every side of circus works and about the foundations of art organisations. Also, I hope to take responsibilities individually as a part of the administration team.

What do you love about Ireland?

I think I love almost everything about Ireland. The people, their lifestyle, the nature, the peace, and the Irish language. I just simply love everything that makes Ireland, Ireland.

What are a few important things you have learned (or are learning) while volunteering with GCC?

I have learned about working and living with different cultures, living away from home and how administration works as part of the circus.

What is one thing you love about circus in general?

Circus has diversity and entertainment. Circus is a place where people don’t care about your nationality or background. And in circus, you always have funny people around you.

Why do you think a programme like European Solidarity Corps is important?

It is important because if you live in countries that have a bad economy like my country, Turkey, you don’t have a chance to go to abroad and see the world. You can’t get volunteering experience or work experience in the EU. But with the European Solidarity Corps programme, you can.

Would you recommend that other people apply to volunteer at organisations through the ESC programme? Why?

I would highly recommend the programme to all young people. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a challenge for yourself. It is a way of seeing different perspectives of life.

You can learn more about the European Solidarity Corps here or visit the European Solidarity Corps page on our website for more information.