8 inspirational Workaway locations which nurture the artist in us!

We are all artists or creators in some shape or form. Who doesn’t have dreams and visions to make something happen or materialize? When we are in “the zone” of inspiration, we lose all sense of time and are at our happiest. It’s strange that most people don’t make space in their lives to be creative; when artistic creation becomes something we do only during our spare time, it means we don’t do what we most love nearly enough.

Imagine going somewhere which puts creativity as its number one priority. We have scanned the globe and found 8 Workaway hosts which offer distinct artistic opportunities in different parts of the world: Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania and the Middle East. These are initiatives which are sure to inspire you and rejuvenate your artist’s soul: circus and theatre, script writing and film-making, interior design and decorative painting, sculpture, music and dance.

Asia: A passage to India and the city of dreams

Take your imagination onto a whole new level by turning your wildest dreams into something tangible!

Mumbai, previously Bombay, is the birthplace of Indian cinema and home to the Bollywood industry. Where’s better than to collaborate with workaway host Amrit, film maker and creative writer ? It is a place of extremes and contrasts, the Indian city with the highest proportion of millionaires, but with also one of the largest slums in the world (Dharavi).  It has left a marked impression on so many authors and producers. In Amrit’s words, “

Let India work her charm on you as only she knows how to!

Europe: Once upon a time in fairytale land

A flight of fancy made reality at a fairytale castle by the river which could have been dreamed up by the brothers Grimm…
Head to the fine wine region of Mosel, Germany this autumn and use your creative flair and fantasy to add to its shabby chic charm. This multi-national team needs artists to paint baroque and “Jungendsil” art nouveau inspired designs on the walls and ceilings and to upholster chairs with velvet, in preparation for becoming a hotel this winter. The national treasure was in ruins and now that it is back in shape it is ready to be dressed for the occasion.

Let yourself be surrounded by vineyards and good food; sip a glass of Reisling and let the breathtaking house and grounds inspire you to adorn it as it deserves.

North America: Creative musician and artist hippie haven

Steer clear of the hustle bustle of New York and instead feel the peace and love and musical vibes of the Hopatcong lakeside artist community in NW New Jersey , which follows an early 60’s hippie commune lifestyle. There are often bands, musicians, artists, and writers in residence. Other guests are international and domestic travellers.  “There is a real community vibe here and most of all, we want everybody to have FUN and LIVE IN HARMONY!”  say hosts Mercedes and Andrew. “We’re looking for positive people with a peaceful vibe.

Musicians are welcome and preferred. If you want to learn an instrument, there are lots of instruments to play with. As part of the exchange they are happy to coach you and give you the experience of playing in a band. Share your melodies and passion for music and enjoy jamming in their full music rehearsal studio. For other artists there are many light and bright areas for drawing and painting too. They do lots of crafts, including decoupage, tie dye, crochet, furniture upcycling, and lots of other craft supplies to make the most of.

The mood here is good for meditation or creativity (writing, playing music, drawing, etc.). Is there a more ideal place to relax and unwind and let those creative juices flow?

Central America: A travelling artist’s favourite retreat space

San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala is a small vibrant community of foreigners living in a village of approximately 3000 Mayan indigenous people. This is an idyllic place in a spectacular setting where you can go swimming in the lake, hike in the hills, nearby villages or waterfalls or even enjoy a night-time temascal (Mayan sauna).

South America: A vibrant jungle centre in San Martin, Peru

Jungles often portray mystery, fear, wonder and exoticism. Head for the deepest darkest Peru and let Chazuta on the edge of the Amazon basin lure you in and stimulate your imagination!

A village famous for its elegant pottery and Inca heritage, Chazuta has a museum where you can attend artisanal workshops. This vibrant cultural centre needs people to help boost their profile by helping them with web design, video and photography. Appreciate the local exhibits and get inspired to do your own interpretation of the weird and wonderful plants and animals, as well as exploring the cultural history on your doorstep.

Africa: Bring music on to the streets of Uganda

We’ve all known the joy music can bring to our lives, so why not bring it across the globe by teaching an instrument to these disadvantaged children on the streets of Mbale, Uganda ?

Jovan, the host and foundation organiser, says that “You don’t need to be a professional, as long as you have the musical, art and dance passion in you…then we need you.” So as long as you have an artistic soul and a heart that wants to help, you will surely have a meaningful and inspiring time there. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience African culture and spread love and laughter to areas which most deserve it.

Oceania: Head to Waimangaroa and learn arts, crafts and sculpture from a maestro

Brian, otherwise known as “Woody” is a multi-talented craftsman in New Zealand who sources natural materials from his locality and transforms them into unique pieces of art. He is currently renovating an old dance hall to make it into an art gallery/ museum as well as working on a sculpture garden.

Join him for walks along the coastline, picking up driftwood or stone. As well as his 30 years experience, he has all the materials and tools to make silver jewellery, musical instruments, furniture and sculptures using wood, bronze, bone, jade and mother of pearl. “I believe in the philosophy that if you give me a hand I will give you a hand in return.”

Help him in his workshop and like a scorceror’s apprentice watch him at work – we dare you to not feel moved to uncover your own masterpiece.

Middle East: The possibilities are limitless on the stage

Lose yourself in the magic of theatre with this cultural organisation in Palestine’s Jenin Refugee Camp . Whether you want to be involved in theatre production, stage effects, or even just hold amateur drama workshops for children and teens, there will definitely be a suitable part for you to play.

In many ways, following your artists soul has much to do with keeping your inner child alive. As Pablo Picasso once said:

“All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”