by Annabella Kosztin
When I decided to take part in the European Solidarity Corps project before turning thirty, I knew I wanted to spend my volunteer year in an artistic environment. I was looking for a place where I could grow professionally and be surrounded by inspiring people. I feel that Siena has given me exactly that.
Siena has slowly but surely become a part of my everyday life. It’s no longer just a beautiful Tuscan city to me. I love the mornings, the sunlight playing across the hills, the quiet of the narrow streets, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee that accompanies me every morning on my way to volunteer work. Somehow, every little detail teaches me something: patience, attentiveness, and how to truly be present in the moment.
My days at the Siena Art Institute have brought a special balance into my life. Here, art is not just about aesthetics; it’s a living dialogue between people. I see that art truly acts as a common language, bringing people together and helping us understand each other better. This idea is very close to my heart, because for me, art has always been one of the most beautiful ways to connect and empathize.
The project constantly inspires me to think more openly about the relationship between art and community building and the warmth and openness of Italians made it easy to settle in and feel a sense of interconnectedness. During my first week, we had an orientation that explained everything in detail, from exploring the city to handling daily tasks within the program. Because of all of this, I already feel at home in Siena and have made several local friends.
More and more, I realize that this year is not just a professional journey, but a personal one too. I’m learning to slow down, pay more attention to people, and appreciate the little things. I’ve discovered that growth isn’t always visible, it often happens quietly while we find our place in a new environment.
All in all, I feel that this project is exactly what I needed, an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to truly be part of something meaningful. I’m grateful that every day teaches me something new, about art, about the world, and about myself.
