What is YSW?
Yiddish Summer Weimar ranks as the most important and comprehensive Yiddish culture festival in the world. Each year, an international community of artists, musicians, workshop participants and guests meet to experience – and contribute to – the world of Yiddish culture. Click here for more information. back

When is YSW?
July 21 to August 21, 2021 back

Where is YSW?
We are planning this year's YSW completely outdoors. We are returning, among other places, to Beethovenplatz and Herderplatz, which we successfully filled in the summer of 2020. The event series "Yiddish Summer Weimar goes Thuringia" will once again bring some highlights of the festival to Erfurt, Eisenach, Altenburg and many other places in Thuringia. back

Who is behind YSW?
The festival is organized by Other Music Academy e.V., an association founded in 2006, which currently numbers over 100 members in 10 countries. Other Music Academy e.V. is behind all the projects realized by the Other Music Academy (OMA). The Other Music Academy is our vision of an innovative institution: an empowerment center whose goal is to create an inclusive society which invites a broad range of people to actively help shape our culture and their own role within it.
OMA is the brainchild of Dr. Alan Bern, musical director and chairman of Other Music Academy e.V. Dr. Bern is supported by an international team of colleagues in the fields of music, culture, science and social affairs. Click on the following links for more information about our philosophy and about the OMA, and our wonderful and diverse projects at OMAworks. back

How can I contribute to YSW as a volunteer?
You can contribute in any one of the following areas, to which you will be assigned at the team meetings:

- info point –  helping artists and participants
- admin, shop, merchandise
- technical assistant
- event management back

What does the work involve?

1. Info point

Helping artists and participants: the starting point for all artists, participants and festival visitors. Work includes ticket sales, selling merchandise, photocopying, providing information to participants, coordinating volunteers, distributing flyers, delivering messages and much more.

2. Admin, shop

Helping the finance department: sort and copy receipts, prepare and manage the shop, distribute contracts, update charts ...

3. Technical assistance 

Help our technicians set up PA systems; position lights; schlep, set up and dismantle equipment. Gain experience through hands-on work! Note: work in this area usually runs from afternoon to late evening and often lasts over 6 hours!!! You should be able to lift heavy objects. A trial run is recommended.

4. Event management 

Admission, ticket sales, seating, visitor surveys, statistical surveys, setup and dismantling, backstage work, catering, selling merchandise, collecting donations, controlling the hygiene regulations....  back

What do YSW volunteers do?
Our motto is “pitch in wherever you can.” This means that volunteers may occasionally help out with simple tasks such as office work and cleaning, but will also have the chance to take on a bigger role. This depends on the extent of your time commitment and involvement. All tasks are important, and all help is greatly appreciated! back

What are my responsibilities as a volunteer?
Our guiding principle here is: If you can take responsibility for something, go for it! But don’t worry: no one gets held responsible for things that don’t go exactly as planned. back

How long does the volunteer work last?
This is up to you. At least one week, but feel free to stay for the duration of the festival or beyond; preparations start in June/July and follow-up work lasts until the end of August. Volunteer weeks start on Mondays with a team meeting; we recommend that you arrive on Saturday or Sunday, to get an impression of the city and the venues and hear a concert. back

How old do I have to be?
At least 18. We are looking forward to a cross-generational team of people aged 18 to 80, where we can learn from each other’s experiences. back

Will I get paid?
NO. Your work is on a purely voluntary and non-remunerative basis. back

Do I get support for finding and financing accommodation?
YES! For a shorter stay we arrange accommodation in host families. For a longer stay, we will organize a room in a student shared apartment. If you feel that you need a different standard of accommodation, we ask you to look for a suitable accommodation and finance it on your own. Weimar is a student city. You can find rooms for sublet here and here. If you have difficulties finding or financing a room, we will be happy to help you.  back

Do I get food?
Unfortunately not. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the current hygiene regulations, we cannot offer group catering.  We will cover your additional catering expenses with a small financial compensation.


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What expenses do I have to cover myself?
You cover your travel costs to and from Weimar, as well as your food expenses. If the standard of accommodation offered by us does not meet your expectations, we ask you to take the matter into your own hands and to finance yourself. As a volunteer, you are entitled to free entry to all YSW events. 

We will also pay you a small compensation for your meal expenses. back

Which work area will I be assigned to?
This depends on the length of your stay in Weimar, and on your wishes and abilities. A team meeting is held every Monday, where we draw up the work plan for the week. 
Our goal is to give you the greatest possible insight into the processes of the festival and therefore we recommend that you get involved in as many areas as possible. However, nothing happens against your will. back

Can I switch to a different service area once I’ve started?
Of course! You are never forced to do tasks you are not comfortable with. back

How does the volunteer service work?
From the moment you register, you are in contact with your YSW contact person. Before we meet for the first time, we will talk on the phone or zoom to get to know each other a little. Prior to the start of your service you will be informed about all essential things and the details of your accommodation. When you arrive in Weimar (in best case Sa./Su.) you have the possibility to ask all relevant questions at the info point. On Mondays at the weekly team meeting there will be a general introduction and all the information you need for your assignment. In addition, there is a responsible person for each major area of duties, or "Teamer", who is happy to answer any questions. back

Can I get my volunteer work accredited as an internship?
This depends on the internship requirements of your college or university. We will be happy to provide you with a written confirmation of your work for us, as well as a certificate on request. Many of our volunteers have been successful in getting accreditation! back

Will I receive a certificate for my work?
Absolutely! We’ll be happy to provide you with a confirmation and a certificate. back

What skills should I have?
We welcome all who wish to help and are open to the content of YSW. Being a friendly, open person who is good at teamwork and enjoys interacting with others is a plus. It also helps if you can respond flexibly to challenges, pitch in and contribute thoughts and feedback. Knowledge of foreign languages is another big plus.

We love it that volunteers come to us from many countries and many generations!
Ideally, you should be able to communicate in very basic German. If not, then very good English skills are a necessity! Also, please be aware that certain tasks in the festival require fluent spoken German. If you don't speak German, you won't be given those tasks. For example, working at the InfoPoint or the Box Office requires speaking German. So, if you don't speak German, it could happen that your work assignment will be in areas where language isn't so important.

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What should I bring with me?
Besides a healthy dose of motivation, curiosity and enthusiasm for the cause, we ask that you bring a smartphone, or at least a cellphone. As the festival operates on a somewhat decentralized basis, group chats have proven to be very helpful. A laptop and a bike is a plus, but not a must. There is no dress code. 
We encourage you to pack your own water bottle, this way according to our experience we generate less waste.
Since all activities will take place outdoors, we recommend that you pack sun and rain protection. back

How do I register?
Please use the online registration form. back

Whom do I contact?
Your contact is Anna Grochocka (YSW management). back

I still have questions. Whom do I ask?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information.

Your contact is:
Anna Grochocka: anna.grochocka@othermusicacademy.eu back