If you want to learn about the beating heart of a city, you could do much worse than exploring its artistic scene. Here there are endless figures worth knowing, endless different specialisms and artistic platforms to enjoy, and a hidden unique value that each city itself can boast. For example, take the comedy circuits of both New York City and Los Angeles – totally different in scope, but providing fantastic perspectives from either side.
If you’re exploring a city as a tourist, you’re setting up in loft apartments to begin your new life, or you’re just hoping to learn more about your hometown, we’d recommend considering some of the following advice:
- Volunteering At Cultural Events
The opportunities for this kind of thing may be more numerous than you had imagined. Many festivals, exhibitions, and performances rely on volunteers to keep things running smoothly. You might find yourself helping to set up an art installation, guiding visitors at a gallery opening, or even assisting performers backstage at a theater production. These experiences can give you an intimate view of the local scene, and even the chance to network in it!
- Supporting Local Artists and Craftspeople
Find out what makes your city tick. Every city has its own community of artists and craftspeople creating unique, locally-inspired work. If you take the time to support these creators, you’re not just getting something special – you’re helping to keep the local artistic scene vibrant and thriving, even as you slowly become part of it. In other words, you’ll stake your claim and see the best of your local area.
- Exploring Public Art Installations and Street Art
Many cities have sculpture parks, murals, or temporary installations that are worth seeking out. Don’t forget to look up – some of the most interesting urban art can be found on the sides of buildings or tucked away in unexpected places too. It’s not just about what’s been sanctioned by the local gallery, but how people express themselves. If you’re an artist, this can provide inspiration like nothing else.
- Visiting Art Museums & Historical Sites
Of course, seeing how art and history have collided in your city gives context to the art itself. Don’t think they’re divorced or that “academic” pursuits are disconnected from art, they’re often not, especially when located in a distinct area.
- Subscribing to Local Art Publications
Staying informed about your local art scene can be as simple as subscribing to local art publications, especially the smaller ones talking about underground scenes. These could be print magazines, online newsletters, or even social media accounts, the latter are often more “immediate” and are able to cover pop-up events or immediate happenings. The more you can connect with your local scene the more you understand about it, but you don’t have to do all the hard work. Let others show you what’s cool and get involved, as it convinces them to do even more!
