It is common knowledge that Goa is one of India’s best retreat spots that offers an array of leisurely options – from sipping Piña Coladas at the beach to making the most of WFH from an Airbnb overlooking the sea; dropping your routine and making your way to Goa does not seem half bad of an idea.
One of the most prominent features of Goa is the presence of various community spaces, where creativity flows just as freely as conversation. The environment that the many activities and workshops at these locations cultivate encourages creatives to take a breather from their day to day responsibilities or even find inspiration.
We were able to scour the internet and gather suggestions for these spaces to share with you, and so, here are our 7 must-visit creative community establishments.
I. Barefoot Goa
If you’re on the hunt for a space where work does not feel like work, head to Barefoot Goa in the countryside of Parra. With a cafe-bar that serves healthy breakfast all-day, as well as hearty home-style lunches, Barefoot leaves no stone unturned with exotic drinks, coffees, and teas. The establishment also offers stay options with rooms available for booking. Additionally, they even have an extremely cosy co-working space.
With workshops and interactive sessions by creatives in various fields, Barefoot makes sure you make the most of the time you spend there. Currently, the Parra Festival is ongoing with art exhibitions, live music, stick-and-poke tattoos, tarot card reading, and more.
Find Barefoot Goa here.
Visit their Instagram page here.
II. The Museum of Goa
As one of India’s largest contemporary art spaces, the Museum of Goa (MOG) is not simply an exhibit-only space, but also encourages dialogue between various forms of art and artists. Goan artist Subodh Kerkar founded MOG in 2015, and has successfully maintained it as a repository of Goan art, history, and culture. A ‘pedagogical experiment in narrating history’, the museum is a cohesive space where contemporary vision meets culture.
Exhibitions, talks, tours, and workshops galore, MOG is consistent in bringing about a dynamic nature to art for the creatives seeking it.
Find Museums of Goa here.
Find them on Instagram here.
III. Saraya
Translated from Sanskrit, Saraya means ‘to begin’ or ‘to flow’, and the space aims to act as one where people can do exactly that with their creative journeys. Combining unique experiences of art, food, and nature, Saraya’s relaxing atmosphere makes for a perfect place to unwind and recharge those productive batteries.
Respecting nature is of utmost importance, and their eco-stay is a prime example of that. Their restaurant and cafe promotes healthy living, with a range of plant-based dishes. You can also disconnect from the outside world as you walk through their art gallery and find inspiration.
With various fests, camps, and workshops that cover topics such as permaculture and indigenous wisdom, Saraya earns our stamp of approval.
Find Saraya here.
Visit their Instagram page here.
IV. The Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts
Founded by Dipti and Dattaraj V Salgaocar, Sunaparanta is a non-profit arts initiative nestled in the Altinho hills of Panjim. The establishment is an advocate for the arts in Goa through exhibitions, grant funding initiatives, creative support for projects, and more. Through its community-based programming, the centre places importance on bringing Goa and its nuanced attributes to the fore.
Film screenings, workshops, exhibitions, book releases, readings, and more – find all things historical and contemporarily Goan here.
Find the Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts here.
Visit their Instagram page here.
V. Thinkering
Thinkering, as they say themselves, are defined as ‘the synergy between thinking, making and learning’. With communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity at their core, Thinkering creates a conducive environment for creative individuals to challenge themselves with 21st-century complexities and skills.
Thinkering aims to be a part of your creative journey, and give it that nudge it needs from time to time, with workshops for various skills such as woodwork, photography, and robotics among others.
Find Thinkering here.
Find them on Instagram here.
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