Explore Unique Artistic Experiences Around the World

There’s good reason to include big institutional art galleries and museums on your ‘to-see list’ – the offerings are vast, and the exhibitions are often world-renowned. However, what if you’ve seen one too many on your travels, or found that the reverential hush of these honored establishments doesn’t gel with your holiday buzz? Does refreshing your itinerary mean forfeiting your love of art and culture? Fortunately, there are myriad alternative options available that can keep your artistic spirit alive.

Our iBestTravel Local experts have curated a selection of unsung artistic activities that will re-energize your cultural curiosity, from hands-on workshops and interactive performances to architectural marvels and innovative exhibition spaces. Therefore, jump on a train or simply get walking to discover these unique artistic experiences around the globe.

Mingle with Makers at 107 Projects, Sydney, Australia

As a beacon of urban renewal in the regenerated suburb of Redfern, 107 Projects serves as a hub of art-making and community creativity. Visitors can stop in to peruse the gallery, performance space, live-music bar, or rooftop garden; however, the real fun lies in getting your hands dirty. A full calendar of workshops includes glassblowing, life drawing, acting, electronic music, Risograph printing, and even spatula carving.

Far from a sterile amateur-arts environment, this lively creative space is continuously buzzing with Sydney’s arts ecosystem. With meeting rooms, artist studios, and a construction workshop, the atmosphere is rich with collaborative energy and innovative ideas.

Make it happen: Workshops are very reasonably priced, ranging from AUD$5-35 for a basic class. For a complete schedule and further details, check out the 107 Projects website.

Hop on the Love Train in Philadelphia, USA

Visitors to Philadelphia often view public transit as merely a utility. The Mural Arts’ Love Letter Train Tour flips this perspective, transforming a ride on the Market-Frankford Line (known locally as ‘the El’) into a memorable art quest. On weekends, this guided tour takes passengers through West Philadelphia, showcasing artist Steve Powers’ series of murals, A Love Letter For You. Spanning from 45th St to 63rd St in West Philly, these 50 vibrant, text-based murals convey one man’s affectionate love letter to a woman, making the tour a worthwhile experience.

Make it happen: Tickets are $23, including train fare, and the tour begins at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Sling Clay at a Traditional Pottery Workshop, Bkerzay, Lebanon

Winding your way through Lebanon’s forest-clad mountains to Bkerzay is nearly as relaxing as the sensation of wet clay spinning under your hands on the pottery wheel at this eco-hotel’s arts and craft studio. Run by master potter Ahmad Deif and Lebanese architect Maha Nasrallah, Bkerzay’s pottery workshops allow participants to create rustic pieces glazed in the traditional artisanal style of the region. A meditative afternoon spent here is the perfect antidote to the bustling chaos of a Beirut city break.

Make it happen: One-hour pottery workshops in Bkerzay’s atelier cost US$25 per person. Workshops are available daily, but must be reserved in advance by calling +961 71 999 422. Bkerzay is located about an hour’s drive from Beirut, easily accessible by car or taxi.

Hit the Streets in Havana, Cuba

Havana may be renowned for its vibrant live music and infectious salsa dancing, but few travelers are aware of the captivating murals and underground art scene in Old Havana. Striking street art in vivid colors has gradually taken over neighborhoods beyond the typical restoration projects led by the Office of the City Historian. Venture into these less-explored areas to discover alluring paintings emblazoned on decaying buildings and art galleries blooming within crumbling colonial mansions.

Projects such as the Gallery and Cultural Project at the Galeria Taller Gorria strive for social impact, providing spaces for local communities and artistic projects to transform one another creatively. The concept of an ‘open-air museum’ reflects not only in the iconic classic cars roaming Havana but also in the spontaneous workshops flourishing in forgotten corners.

Make it happen: Take a detour from the picturesque Capitolio area and walk through O’Reilly St up to El Ojo del Ciclón in Villegas St. Keep exploring southward, and don’t miss a visit to the incredible Galería Taller Gorría.

Catch Local Musicians at Thapae East, Chiang Mai, Thailand

While many visitors are familiar with the North Gate Jazz Co-Op, a Chiang Mai institution, travelers to the ‘Rose of the North’ can discover an eclectic mix of music at Thapae East. Nestled in a hidden complex on Th Tha Pae, this venue for the creative arts brings together local and international musicians nearly every night. The intimate brick bar provides a space to mingle with trendy locals and the expat crowd while enjoying sounds ranging from bluegrass to indie rock, all alongside fresh culinary offerings from the nearby Mexican restaurant.

Make it happen: Before you visit, check the Thapae East Facebook Page for the week’s line-up. Typically, you’ll find musicians playing nightly, except for Sundays when the venue is closed. Entry is free.

Peruse a Festival of Performance Art in Portland, Oregon, USA

Organized by the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, the annual TBA Festival (Time-Based Arts Festival) showcases a multidisciplinary array of experimental theatre, dance, poetry, music, lectures, performance art, cinema, and painting. Taking place over 10 days in September, the festival spans various venues throughout the city. Not only does it feature high-profile international artists, but it also highlights some of Portland’s upcoming talents.

During the festival, attendees might find a spoken-word event in a church one night, an interactive play the next, and a thought-provoking meditation on art and race that unfolds over a three-mile walk the next. Whatever the event, the unpredictability is part of the fun!

Make it happen: Tickets are priced from $16-20, with many shows operating on a sliding scale. Reservations are typically necessary for most performances. Secure tickets or a festival pass ($200-500) in advance at TBA Festival: PICA.