5 art experiences in India you need to try today

India is the perfectly imperfect conflux of chaos and creativity. It is incessantly buzzing. So, for those who want to escape the routine and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings through art and all its facets, we’ve got you covered. We have something for everyone—the theatre aficionados, the dancing queens, the pottery lovers and the out-of-the-box thinkers. Here, we have curated a list of unmissable art experiences in India: 

Impact Society 

For those who wish to combine their passion for the arts with a larger purpose, Impact society is the space for you. To the writers, thinkers, and artists–The Impact Society was built with a vision to create awareness and drive social change through storytelling, writing, research, photography and filmmaking. Unique travel experiences are curated by the team, across the length and breadth of India where travellers delve deep into the culture and history of each place. Untold Spiti hosted earlier this year was organised with a vision to discover and document Spiti’s historical legacy, resilient cultures, and sustainable innovations. The experience is an opportunity to interact with storytelling mentors, artists, and locals. Other experiences include Untold Goa which documents the history and biodiversity of the Western Ghats and Untold Panna, Madhya Pradesh. The programmes are organised for a duration of five or more days depending on the nature of the experience. Here’s a pro tip: Keep an eye out on their Instagram page to see where they are planning to go next. Details

Cost: from Rs 45,000

Adishakti 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to understand yourself and your surroundings through theatre? The Adishakti Laboratory for Theatre Art Research is a contemporary theatre retreat near Puducherry, India. Each year, the collective, spearheaded by writer, actor and director Vinay Kumar organises six theatre workshops which involve rigorous physical and mental training and help individuals not only to understand their craft but also imbibe performance methodology including the use of breath, emotions, and rhythm prescribed by the Natya Shastra. This 10-day programme is for all those who want to understand and practise the science behind the art and much more. Applicants would be required to send in a short CV along with a statement of purpose. Details 

Where: Adishakti, Auroville Post, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu 

Andretta Pottery 

For all those who like to get their hands messy and minds creative, the Andretta Pottery studio is the space for you. Touted as one of India’s oldest pottery studios, it is nestled amid the snow-capped Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal Pradesh and offers different workshops to learn the art of pottery—whether through a three-month residential experience or a 15 minute session on a chosen day. Take your pick. During the residential programme, you will learn how to prepare and recycle clay, try your hand and learn the art of operating the potter’s wheel, or even create products such as bowls, jars, teapots, and casseroles. Finally, bisque fire your pots and learn how to give them the perfect glaze. Individuals will be provided accommodation on a sharing basis along with traditional Himachali meals at host Shubha Sankhyan’s home. Here’s your chance to interact with other artists, learn the art form, and be one with nature. Keep in mind an advance payment of Rs 7,000 is required to confirm your spot. Details 

Where: SH 17 Andreta, Himachal Pradesh 
Cost for 3-month residential programme: Rs 2,00,000

Attend the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 

Touted to be one of the largest art exhibitions in the country, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale is an international contemporary art exhibition held in the city of Kochi in Kerala. Set up in spaces such as galleries, public spaces and heritage sites such as Pepper Exchange, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale pays an ode to the mythical predecessor of Koshi, the ancient port of Muziris and seeks to create a global platform to introduce global visual art theory and practice to India. Attend programmes such as Artists’ Cinema showcasing art films and documentaries, and Let’s Talk, a series of panel discussions with curators and artists alike. Also witness the work and engage in discussion with Global and Indian artists such as Madiha Aijaz from Pakistan, Richard Bell from Australia and Arpita Singh from India among many others. 

Where: Kochi 
When: 12 December 2022 - 10 April 2023 
Cost: Free public tours are conducted daily between 11am and 3pm. Find cost and details of programmes here

Vacation with an artist 

Yes, you read that correctly! Vacation with an artist is an online platform with an aim to reconnect with people and diverse art forms across the globe. With 119 artists spread across 26 countries, individuals can travel the world, explore, create, and learn. In India, try your hand at Goan and East Indian cuisine with Joanne in Goa, learn the traditional Indian art form Kalarippayat with Raam in Kerala or practise classical dances such as Bharatnatyam and Odissi with Sujatha and Jayshree in Mumbai. The duration of most programmes is four-five days with varying costs. Details