Here are some useful tips for you if you are looking for a way to make your art trip as memorable as possible, even with limited time.
While some people prefer spending their holidays relaxing on the beach or hiking in the mountains, others like to explore the art scene of every place they visit. Traveling not only helps you boost your creativity and expand your mind but also opens your eyes to new cultures and the art they produce. Have you already picked your destination? Then the rest should be easy. Here are some useful tips for you if you are looking for a way to make your art trip as memorable as possible, even with limited time.
Do your research ahead
This might seem like a lot of extra work to do during your vacation time, but rest assured that it is a very necessary step. But what does it entail? Before going to a museum or art gallery for the first time, you most likely will not know anything about its history and which periods and artists it displays. There is a common misconception that researching facts about the place you are going to will take away the excitement of the visit. On the contrary, even skimming through an article on Wikipedia will make your art trip much more fun and efficient. You will be able to feel like a little bit of an expert yourself and appreciate a work of art for its beauty without thinking too much about its historical context.
Buy tickets online
As any modern person would do, you most likely bought your plane or train tickets online. But did you think of doing the same for your museum tickets? Most contemporary events and institutions have a website where you can book a pass in advance. This will free you from the hassle of doing it at the museum. Moreover, buying tickets online can be significantly cheaper than purchasing them onsite.
Be flexible
It is a great idea to plan everything you want to do instead of diving head-first into an unfamiliar environment. However, it is better for you to not strictly limit yourself to your to-do or to-visit list. Of course, it depends on the amount of time you have, but in general, you will not lose anything by going to a gallery you stumbled upon on your way to your original destination. Stop at places that speak to you, and you might discover gems you would not have found otherwise. Balancing planning and spontaneity is the secret to a top-notch vacation.
Try new things
This tip partially relates to the previous one. Imagine you have already decided you will only visit museums and galleries that display contemporary and modern art. This is supposed to help you limit your focus to a specific theme and not let you get distracted or overwhelmed. If you are a collector looking for a piece in a specific style, this is a great tactic. However, if you find yourself suddenly enchanted by Orthodox icon painting, it might be a good idea to just let yourself explore new things and have fun. You never know if this unplanned encounter with a new genre, style, or medium might result in you finding a new passion.
Check out local emerging artists
Are you someone who wants to start their art collection, but is still hesitating? The anxiety is understandable: art can be very pricey and not everyone is ready to purchase an investment piece as their first. However, there is no need to worry, as there are many affordable art pieces by talented emerging artists who still have not made it big and, consequently, have not raised their prices. You can often find young artists selling their art at smaller galleries and local art fairs. Plus, there is always a chance that the piece you buy today will grow in value in a couple of years.
Think about art logistics
Everyone is familiar with the struggle of traveling with the purchases you made during vacation. However, when it comes to artwork, it is not always a great idea to stuff everything in a suitcase. Before buying a large piece at a fair, think about how you will transport it back home. If you are at a loss for what to do, there are art shipping services available that will help you relocate your valuables to your home. Professional art handlers are especially useful when dealing with very expensive or fragile pieces.
In conclusion
Whether you are going to a close-by city or another part of the world, there is always art for you to admire. Hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy your trip to the fullest. Remember, traveling might be stressful, but the main point of it is having fun. Do not let anyone (even yourself) tell you how to spend your precious time. Good luck!
