If youâve ever stood in a museum staring at a work of art, letting it wash over you, you know how impactful art can be. You also understand the distinction between seeing the Mona Lisa in a textbook and seeing it in the Louvre. If you are fortunate enough to have an opportunity to witness art in its original form, donât pass it up. Not only can experiencing art firsthand impact you on a personal level, but also, it can give you a new understanding of the country youâre visiting. If you love traveling as much as you love art, youâre in luck. Hereâs a list of some of the most amazing ways to explore the international art scene.
Five International Art Festivals, Markets & Museums In the U.S.
International Folk Art Market
The International Folk Art Market has been a Santa Fe staple for nearly two decades. While it began as a grassroots effort, it blossomed into an all-out spectacle of folk art from the worldâs most talented folk artists. This yearâs market is expected to run from July 5 through July 8th.Â
International Folk Art Museum
Speaking of folk art, if a folk art market isnât enough for you, youâre in luck. Thereâs an entire museum devoted to folk art in the same city. The International Folk Art Museum wows its visitors daily with special collections and exhibitions that showcase the personal and cultural histories and heritage of artists around the world.Â
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Each year, Epcotâs International Festival of the Arts puts on a dazzling festival showcasing one of the many different artforms, from painting to theatre. This year, for instance, guests arriving at Disney World between January 13th and Feb. 20th will get to experience the wonders of the worldâs culinary arts. From visually appealing snacks to mouth-watering main courses, festival-goers will experience firsthand how much art is truly involved in cooking. Â
International African Arts Festival
Most Americans will never have the chance to visit Africa and experience the vibrant music and art scenes in cities and countries across the continent. Enter the next best thing: Brooklynâs International African Arts Festival. This 4-day festival typically runs at the start of July and boasts renowned artists such as Blue Magic, Steel Pulse,The Mighty Sparrow, Fela Anikulapo- Kuti, KRS-1, and Lauryn Hill.
International Festival of Arts & Ideas
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas runs between June 10th and June 25th this year in New Haven, Connecticut. Visitors can expect a program filled with a diverse group of artists and thinkers discussing pressing issues involving art, politics and the environment.
5 Amazing Locations for Street Art Youâll Want to Visit Right Away
Museums arenât the only place to find awe-inspiring works of art. In fact, some of the most beautiful art can be seen during a casual city stroll. Here are some of the most amazing cities for street art around the world.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
The history of Argentinaâs capital is alive and well on colorful murals painted on the backs of stores or the sides of houses. But these expansive and impressive works also have a personal side. Not only do they mean something unique to the artist, but also every person who looks upon them will come away with a unique meaning. If you want to make sure you see all the street art the city has to offer, thereâs a tour for that.Â
Melbourne, Australia
There are few places in the world that boasts more impressive street art than Melbourneâs Blender Lane. This alleyway abounds with colorful murals, stencils and tags, making it a great place to find inspiration, and take a few photo ops.
Lisbon, Portugal
Thereâs so much street art in Portugalâs capital, you can consider Lisbon an open-air art gallery. Experience the amazing work of local artists and learn more about Portugalâs cultural and historical significance through art.
Malmö, Sweden
Malmö has become known for its street art. From the surreal to the hyper-real, heart-warming to heart-wrenching, this city is a visual feast. One of the best ways to experience all this artistic inspiration is to take a bike tour.
Cape Town, South Africa
South Africaâs street art scene is vibrant, to say the least. Nowhere is this truer than in Cape Town. Here, youâll find all kinds of murals and street art paying homage to musical legends like Bob Marley, and political figures like Nelson Mandala. Just outside of Cape Town, youâll find Woodstock, a suburb revitalized by the vibrant and eclectic street art ever-present in alleyways and on store-backs. The street art scene in Woodstock has become so significant that you can even take guided tours.   Â
International Travel Insurance & the Art of Travel
Before you hit the global art scene, youâre going to want to protect yourself and your trip investment. This is where travel insurance comes in. Your domestic healthcare wonât cover you overseas. If you need urgent medical care, travel medical insurance can help cover certain costs. For American art lovers, international trip insurance is also an option, as it not only protects you against costs related to trip cancellations, baggage loss and flight disruptions, but also provides some medical coverage for urgently needed care. If you have any questions about travel insurance, our Customer Success Team is happy to help. You can also head on over to VisitorsCoverage and explore your travel safety options today.