“Im Kiez zu Hause” – Through the lens of volunteer Giulia
Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). During their service at CABUWAZI they support our circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.
Among our volunteers was Giulia Urso, who joined from September 2024 – September 2025. She has contributed her skills in content creation to document her circus journey throughout her volunteer year—capturing not only her own experiences, but also the dedication and commitment of everyone involved. Through her lens, she showcases the vibrant spirit of our community and highlights the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI.
Have a look at Giulia’s impressions of our circus locations across Berlin’s neighborhoods, captured in the following text and analogue photos:
Im Kiez zu Hause
Walking through Kreuzberg, in the streets of Berlin between Görlitzer Bahnhof and the park, you might stumble upon a colorful entrance with a message above you: “Im Kiez zu Hause” (feeling at home in your neighborhood).
I noticed this for the first time around the CABUWAZI tent in Kreuzberg, a message that welcomes you to feel at home in the Kiez. A message that brings circus magic and energy to every Kiez where their tents are. With art, they help you feel more at home, whether you are a true Berliner or you just moved to the city, like most of us volunteers.
Berlin’s Kiez culture is so peculiar and precious. A Kiez is about community, connections, and humanity, but also about art: a form of cultural and communal art that adds more color to the urban façade of the city, brightening the sometimes grey monotony of ordinary life.
The CABUWAZI tents, with their presence and the activities that take place inside, are part of the urban pattern of the city. They welcome the city’s kids, artists from all over the world, and us volunteers — bringing everyone together through the shared language of the circus world.
For me, what I call “my tent” and “my Kiez” is the space in CABUWAZI Tempelhof. I spent most of my volunteering time there, and because of that, it has become an important part of my circus journey in Berlin.
From the empty spaces before the kids arrive to the dark photos taken after a day at work, with the blue skies in spring or the usually Berliner-grey ones — from Kreuzberg to Tempelhof — this is how, at CABUZWAZI, you feel “Im Kiez zu Hause”, exploring a circus-inspired rhythm of daily life. — Giulia Urso (May 26, 2025)
