Feeling creative? Why not visit the most inspirational country in the world?

Unless you’ve got a spare couple of decades it’s important to stay focused on a trip to India. Full of the bizarre, the unique, the magical and the downright weird (all of which are available from street traders at the right price), if you told travellers they could only book one more flight, they’d be on a plane to Delhi before you’d finished the question. Be warned though, some people never feel like leaving. On this project, you’ll be working with a film production company in Bangalore, a city which will offer plenty of inspiration. You’ll be involved in a range of activities, such as editing and researching and will even have the chance to put forward some ideas for new projects.

What is the music magazine?

Soul City Publications Pvt Ltd was started by Rishi Shah in March 2001 solely out of his love for music. The company currently prints two publications that are circulated nation wide - RAVE Magazine and RAVE Rock. Our most recent publication was launched in the US and is called RAVE*SQ which is lifestyle oriented and circulated only in the US. RAVE Magazine currently has a massive readership of 125,000 that is steadily and surely growing across India!

Why does this project need volunteers?

The company's aim is to reach every music lover in the country through the magazine, events and "Support the Music" and to bring to every individual the joy and understanding of music in all genres and forms. We need students/volunteers who are looking to get a feel for music at every level in India. Your efforts and cultural knowledge of your own country will help to support our cause to promote and develop the condition of music and the arts in India and make people more aware of their steady decline.

Why Bangalore?

Bangalore used to be known not very long ago as a sleepy quiet peaceful garden city with a salubrious climate all through the year – ideal to retire in. These very advantages have also led to its growth and development into a major mega metropolis – a bustling crowded capital( of the state of Karnataka) of about 8 million which is a major centre of research and development and a reputation as the ‘silicon valley’ of India. It is a very cosmopolitan centre embracing people and cultures from all over the world, throbbing with life and vibrancy, a place that offers residents and visitors a wide choice of activities, with theatres, cultural centres, art galleries, parks, and restaurants catering to any kind of taste at very reasonable prices. Bangalore is centrally located in the southern peninsula and within easy reach of Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry, Chennai, Mysore, the Nilgiri mountains and world famous heritage sites like Hampi – each of which can be visited over different week ends.

However, like every great urban centre, Bangalore also has its share of problems of growth and rapid increase in population. The city is in a state of change as it struggles to improve infrastructure, open a new international airport, and learn how to cope with problems of urban poverty. This is where opportunities abound for those who are more fortunate and inclined to help and make a difference – to volunteer to spend time with organisations and schools for the poor and disabled and thereby mix the pleasures of experiencing life in a beautiful part of India with the satisfaction of having spent a short part of their lives productively in helping the cause of the less fortunate.

Your role as a volunteer

You will work with the magazine in whichever department you prefer and wish to gain experience in: either Editorial or Design. You will get to meet famous Indian musicians, attend live concerts and learn about the intriguing Indian culture first-hand. In addition it will be our pleasure to help educate and introduce western students to the plethora of Indian arts and culture that we cherish so deeply.

The skills you need

It's simple; we're looking for people who have a general love for music! You should be prepared for a fluctuating level of work and be flexible to adapt to whatever projects are being undertaken at the time. You need to be positive, enthusiastic and proactive and prepared for a thrilling experience and valuable insight into the music industry!

Accommodation included

You will be living in a local guesthouse, run by an Indian family, giving you the perfect chance to live alongside the local culture and make friends with other volunteers who you may share your room with.

Project resources and advice

If you can bring any creative things or personal items from home, such as books and photographs, this will be greatly appreciated!

Local facilities

The project is based in the heart of Bangalore. Bangalore is regarded as one of the country's most progressive cities with a current population of nearly 7.5 million. Nicknamed the 'Garden City', Bangalore is surrounded by pleasant parks, a Golf course, shopping centres, markets and copious areas of greenery. The bustling ‘green city' provides good transport connections, so you will be well placed for travel around the city. You will also have easy access to shops, internet cafes and other main amenities.

Please Note; The Festival of Diwali (Festival of Lights) takes place every year either at the end of October or the beginning of November where the projects will be closed for a week for the festivities.

The projects will also be affected for a week over the Christmas break December 25, please be aware of these dates when making your booking.

Food included

All your meals will be provided each day, in the form of breakfast, lunch and dinner, which will be traditional delicious Indian cuisine and are vegetarian-friendly.

Things that you will need to organize yourself

• Flights to India: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Travel insurance: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Visa
• In-country transport (except your airport pickup on arrival date)
• Tours, trips and add-ons: i-to-i can secure preferential rates, please ask us
• Extra food and equipment