Open call for ESC Volunteer 2026

Aparaaditehas is looking for a long-term ESC volunteer to work for 10 - 12 months .

ABOUT APARAADITEHAS

Aparaaditehas (The Apparatus Factory) is an old factory complex in Tartu, Estonia that is now operating as a creative industries hub and a culture center. Our culture factory brings together creative entrepreneurs, artist and designer studios, start-ups, commerce and entertainment. Aparaaditehas hosts a variety of different events every week from concerts to workshops and parties to exhibitions.

TRAINING DURING THE ACTIVITY

Aparaaditehas can offer an interesting insight into the inner workings of a creative industries hub. No two days will be the same, and volunteer tasks will vary from helping out at the office, getting to know our tenants or working on our homepage. The volunteer will be provided training and instructions before starting a new task. The volunteer will gain new knowledge and get to practice their skills in a variety of different fields.

The volunteer will mostly be helping out at Aparaaditehas main office. Tasks there will include:

• Social media management (scanning for relevant info and events, creating content).

• Managing our website – adding events, updating info on our tenants etc. Easily done with the help of translation software and AI so no knowledge of Estonian necessary.

• Helping out with the day-to-day management of Aparaaditehas (giving out keys, helping setting up spaces, cleaning, tidying, organizing, watering plants, doing maintenance for the coffee machine, running to the store for some emergency milk etc)

• Giving tours of Aparaaditehas in English (and/or other languages)

• Documenting the everyday life of Aparaaditehas either through photo, film, illustration or other mediums.

• Assisting with organizing events like Gallery Nights and Aparaaditehas Festival

• Engaging the local international community and organising events for them

• Tending to our community garden

• In addition you can also fulfill your creative dreams – you can use our event spaces for organising events like workshops, concerts, movie nights or whatever you feel like. Aparaaditehas has a lot of people, resources and organisations to collaborate with (for example Paranduskelder, TYPA center, Ajuokse/KETT gallery and many more)

Volunteer profile:

Looking for a multi-skilled individual who would like to work in a creative hub and try their hand at various different fields and tasks. We are looking for someone who is:

• Friendly and a good communicator

• Creative and has good initiative and willingness to organise events and do creative projects

• Able to work both individually and in a team

• Has some basic knowledge of social media (Instagram/Facebook/TikTok)

• Is into photography and taking pictures (phone-photography is fine, but it would be great if you had your own camera)

• At least B1 / intermediate English language level

• Bonus points for having some knowledge about graphic design and using software like Canva / Illustrator etc

Accommodation, Food, and Transport
You will have a private room in a shared apartment, with shared facilities such as the kitchen and bathroom. The apartment is equipped with essential amenities, including furniture, dishes, and kitchenware.

A monthly allowance will be provided to cover food and living expenses.

Tartu is a small and welcoming city where most places are within walking distance. It is safe, clean, and green, offering a lively cultural scene. In your free time, you can enjoy hiking in nature, exploring museums, or visiting gallery openings.

For longer distances, Tartu has a reliable public bus network and a convenient city-wide bicycle rental system—making it easy to get around.

Who can apply?

 Young people aged 18 to 30 who are legal residents in EU Member States or partner countries (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Turkey, and various neighboring countries) can apply for the European Solidarity Corps.. Applicants can register from age 17 but must be 18 to start a project.  

How to apply?

To apply, please send a cv and a motivational letter detailing why you would like to volunteer at Aparaaditehas, which roles and tasks you are most excited about, and your motivation to become part of the European Solidarity Corps.

We are accepting applications until the 28th  of February 2026.

Contact: karmen@aparaaditehas.ee

Email heading: ESC volunteering at Aparaaditehas 2026