Tushar 

Lagos

Needs no introduction. This David Adjaye-built concept store is a visionary space and a must visit for anyone who comes to Lagos. Their restaurant in the back, NOK, is popping on Fridays

Lagos’ first non-profit artist residency program. They have brilliant artists coming in to work 3 sessions a year. It’s always great to go hang out on open days and talk to artists about their projects. They also have presentations of the artists’ work once the residency sessions are over

This is the showroom space for Bubu Ogisi’s IAMISIGO brand. Go here to shop, hang out and sip some rum agricole or, on special days and if you’re invited, party at the best raves in Lagos. Fashion Week season is always mighty eventful at this space

This concept space in Lekki is a collaboration project between a bunch of young creatives. They have a publication, a gallery space, a fashion label, and God knows what else. Their exhibitions focus on showcasing the process and use of technology

Located in the top flat of a seven-story building in Lagos and founded by artist Wura-Natasha Ogunji, The Treehouse supports creative experimentation, artistic investigation and the asking of radical and open questions. With views of creek and lagoon, prison and polo fields, it provides a perfect platform for thinking about how spaces, architecture, and community influence and inform how we move, feel, and imagine the world

Set up with the purpose of using creativity to engage with the community in Lagos Island, hFACTOR is a space and also a collective (of which I am a part). Through exhibitions, talks, gatherings and other engagements, we hope to have conversations opening people's minds to new possibilities

Creative Spaces with Tushar

Paris

When I was younger, I worked as a receptionist. I took the opportunity to look at the exhibitions and that is where I discovered cinema culture. This place offers complete experiences around the seventh art with a cinema, a museum and a library dedicated to the seventh art. Being around cinema offers retrospectives and a vision of it that is not uniquely Western-influenced. As a self-taught artist, this place helped me a lot to consolidate my culture of cinema. I am starting a feature film project for the first time, and going to La Cinémathèque Française helps me a lot.

A place where you can find different maps of the world, old books and engravings dating from different centuries. It's fascinating to see how each one tells something of its time. The iconographic aspect is also interesting; many cards present various drawing techniques and colour palettes. A small shop full of curiosities with books from the floor to the ceiling.

IBKKI is a creative studio created by two designer friends, Azel and Youri, who work their pieces with artisans from the Kabylie mountains. To further immerse yourself in their world, they offer ceramic workshops to learn modelling techniques and tame colours. A great experience!

This museum is the former house and workshop of the sculptor Zadkine. I discovered it while skipping classes when I was at law school, which was on the same street. The permanent collection of sculptures presents works sculpted in different materials: wood, stone, earth, etc. The entrances of natural light enhance these different works. The garden is also very pretty, a beautiful place to read and write… or skip classes.

One of the most inspiring places in Paris in my opinion, much more than a store.  It is a real place of life that celebrates African cultures with contemporary accuracy and always with authenticity. The vision and cutting-edge aesthetic of the founder, Youssouf Fofana, makes it a unique space. There, you will find rare and inspiring works and design objects. Maison Château Rouge, through its prestigious collaborations, has contributed to making the African district of Paris shine throughout the world, and makes an entire generation of young Parisians proud.

I enjoy going there to continue to deepen, in an artistic and playful way, the little knowledge I have about architecture. Numerous exhibitions allow you to understand the architectural dynamics of Paris and its metropolises.

The best stand-ups from Paris and the world go through there. The Sarfati is more than a comedy club, it was thought of as a work of art, imagined and created by the stand-up comedy artist Fary (one of the GQ Men of the Year 2023 – congrats bro!). The main room is notably designed by JR. So you can laugh, chill and eat there with a very good menu curated by chef Freddy’s Kitchen.

A beautiful tea room which, to be honest, was one of my best date spots, but since dates have been rare in my life for a while (sniff sniff), this place ultimately became one of my favourite spots to work. The immersion in Iranian culture is complete – from the decoration to the dishes and drinks offered there.

If you want to learn more about Swedish art, go for it. If you want to eat good Swedish pastries, go for it. I go there mainly for one of these two reasons. I won’t say which one in order to preserve my “museum culture credibility”.

A contemporary theatre at the edge of the Canal de l’Ourcq, which offers quite curious performances. I don't always appreciate the programming, but it always leads to reflection and submits original proposals. I like going there to see things that take me out of my comfort zone.

Explore the Quieter Side of Paris with Regloi

Krisna Sudharma 

Bali

The recommendation for Nonfrasa Gallery in my guide is a deeply personal choice. The gallery embodies my vision and aspiration to transform how people perceive art within the context of Bali. It serves as a living case study for my journey of learning, redefining the art canon, and dismantling biases and misinterpretations present in the interactions between the local community and foreigners. Moreover, Nonfrasa Gallery stands as an inclusive platform that supports emerging artists while rediscovering the leftfield work of established ones.

Starting with a blank slate and without any academic background in art, the gallery has gradually evolved into a catalyst for change in Bali. Nonfrasa Gallery has become a purpose and a vision in itself, shaping its identity through a process of continuous learning, experimentation, and growth. The consciousness and discourse of Nonfrasa Gallery have been collectively built by every artist who has been a part of its journey. The exchange of ideas and discussions with curators, writers, and institutions have intertwined to condensed these voices into a force, both heard and unheard into a unified direction that extends beyond the gallery's walls, hopefully impacting the art landscape of Bali in meaningful ways. Nonfrasa Gallery is more than just a physical space; it is a reflection of commitment to promoting inclusivity, artistic redefinition, and constructive dialogue within Bali's art scene.


Tian Taru in Payangan, Gianyar, is recommended for its exceptional and unparalleled effort by Sebastian Mesdag and Ayu Purpa. Over the span of 20 years, they have dedicated themselves to creating a forest and a plantation even before harvesting the indigo for their crafts. Their holistic approach to brand thinking, centered around the principles of endurance and sustainability, is a rarity in modern-day Bali. What sets their endeavor apart is not just the making of indigo, but the incredible level of craftsmanship and intensive research that underpins their entire process.
From their deep insight into the dyeing process to their thorough understanding of the native plants in Payangan and the meticulous planning of their farm and workshop area, every aspect of Tian Taru showcases a dedication to excellence. The construction of their shelter, which also serves as a space for workshops and classes, has been thoughtfully designed to align with their vision, their decision to open Tian Taru as a dedicated space to share their knowledge and contribute to the local village reflects a genuine commitment to giving back. It's not just about ideation, but also about cultivating positive, sustainable habits within their community. Tian Taru's story and dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community strongly resonate with the essence of the local area. It represents a unique blend of artistic ingenuity, environmental mindfulness, and a sincere aspiration to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship with the community. 


Visiting the Bajra Sandhi Monument in Denpasar, a monumental structure that holds significant cultural and historical importance. Growing up in Bali, it's hard not to remember witnessing this structure gradually unveil itself as a place where people from Denpasar gather to relax, take a leisurely stroll, enjoy some grilled corn, or savor a delicious lumpia (fried spring roll) with homemade sauce. Even though it's not yet fully completed, the museum has already become a central spot for socializing in Denpasar, with people leisurely hanging out around its lush garden and pathways. 

The Bajra Sandhi Museum stands as one of the most important cultural institutions in Bali, showcasing the historical timeline of the island, its struggle for independence, and the heroic efforts of its patrons and patriots. It is a place that offers a comfortable and engaging atmosphere, where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and stories of Bali while also enjoying the serene surroundings. The museum serves as a metaphorical reminder of the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by those who fought for Bali's independence and cultural identity.


I recommend visiting Kedux, a figure who has greatly influenced the custom culture in Bali. Although I don't personally know him, his impact on the way of living and his ability to push boundaries have made Bali a representative of this unique culture. He has created a wave of inspiration for young individuals, showing them that dreams are not too high to reach as long as they are willing to put in hard work and maintain discipline. Kedux is known for his passion for custom motorcycles, with a particular focus on Harley Davidson, European, and American muscle bikes. His craftsmanship in working with gasoline and oil goes beyond what anyone else in Bali, and even Indonesia, can achieve. When discussing Kedux, mention should also be made of other renowned artists like Marmar Herayukti. Together, they contribute to something beyond imagination in terms of artistry and technicality.
 
One of the highlights of Kedux's work is his involvement in creating ogoh-ogoh, which are large papier-mâché effigies used in the festivities leading up to Nyepi. During the pengrupukan ceremony, these artistic and technically impressive creations take center stage, representing one of million essence of Bali. From the small canang offerings made by mothers or grandmothers at home to the enormous ogoh-ogoh prepared by the seka teruna teruni, a youth group in each Banjar (traditional neighborhood community), Bali is filled with artistic expressions that intertwine with its cultural identity. 


Space Available holds a significance as it represents the early forefront of the sustainability movement within the creative industry. Space Available was one of the early platforms to address the issue of waste and sustainability, inspiring others to join the cause. The platform introduced a circular system that transformed waste into beautiful products, sparking a much-needed dialogue around the impact of over consumption on the environment.

Space Available's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products and into all aspects of the platform, from production to consumption, and even their merchandise. The top-notch communication and creativity displayed by the team pushes the boundaries of what is possible and inspires a new generation to take active roles in environmental conservation.
Dan Mitchell, the man behind Space Available, was my mentor and a former Creative Director for Potato Head, where I had the pleasure of witnessing his approach to bridging the desire for change and the need for beautiful products. His ability to intertwine his beliefs and concerns with his creative vision has left a long-lasting impression on me. Space Available's commitment to sustainability and driving change is unparalleled, and it encompasses our responsibility to conserve, protect and respect the environment towards a more sustainable future in the creative industry. 


Studio Gelombang in Gianyar is a gem that I highly recommend. This studio is founded by the remarkable artist, Made Griyawan, whose passion not only shines through his art but also through his dedication to giving back to the community. In Bali, the concept of art and artists has deep roots in the act of offering to the higher force, a tradition that predates the formal existence of the term "artist" before the 1930s, especially within early art collectives. This cultural context continues to be passed down through generations, with the learning process traditionally beginning within the family. Youngsters observe their parents or grandparents engaging in artistic endeavors, absorbing the techniques and traditions organically.
 
Made Griyawan embodies this tradition by passing on his knowledge and the spirit of "ngayah" (doing contribution) to the younger generation in Batuan, where he hails from and where the renowned Batuan style originates. His commitment goes beyond preserving and continuing the legacy of his predecessors; he also provides a platform for young individuals from the village of Batuan to study, learn, and refine their skills within the Batuan style while exploring new artistic possibilities and the studio serves as a hub for nurturing and perpetuating this rich artistic tradition.


The recommendation for Tandjung Sari in my guide holds a personal significance as it represents a treasure that I stumbled upon in 2017 through a 50th-anniversary book. Despite my childhood spent in Sanur, I had never come across this place during the pre-crisis and reformasi era. This discovery evoked memories of my father taking me fishing along the shores of Mertasari Beach to Shindu, creating a connection to Tandjung Sari that was previously unknown to me. Throughout the pandemic, the hospitality industry faced tremendous challenges, I had the opportunity to assist Tandjung Sari. This experience not only allowed me to refine their communications but also provided insights into the rich archives and personal stories of staff members who had dedicated decades to the establishment, fostering a deeper appreciation for its history and legacy.
The collaborative efforts of Wija Waworuntu with I Nyoman Cekog and I Wayan Puger was rooted not just in architectural drawings or technicalities, but in Wija's conceptual ideas and discussions about layouts, which Cekog and Puger then translated through their understanding of Balinese architecture. This process encapsulated the transmission of knowledge and formation of learning spaces within familial and kinship ties, mirroring the traditional passing down of knowledge in Balinese families. Such an approach gave rise to the early design elements associated with Bali style, seamlessly integrating Balinese philosophy with modern functionality.
The intersection of Balinese philosophy and modern functionality at Tandjung Sari signifies the seamless integration of cultural heritage into contemporary design, setting it apart as a boutique hotel that embodies these principles. Like a living museum, Tandjung Sari's legacy endures through its steadfast commitment to maintaining this delicate balance, ensuring that its rich history remains a vibrant part of its present-day identity.


A Guide to Bali's Best Art Galleries and Design Spaces

Ashleigh Kane

London

Beginning as a project space in 2011 before transitioning into a commercial gallery four years ago, Arcadia Missa actively champions young and contemporary female artists such as Phoebe Collings-James, Reba Maybury and Amalia Ulman

Anchored in its German and American roots, this multi-city gallery often hosts works from some of the biggest artists in the world; John Waters, Barbara Kruger and even Kraftwerk

Sadie Coles is a veteran of the London art scene and known for her connection to the YBAs - mostly Sarah Lucas. It has an incredible roster of international artists, with Martine Syms being a favourite of mine

Guest Projects is tucked away just around the corner from Broadway Market’s hustle and bustle (aka chaos). Founded by Yinka Shonibare, it offers the extremely rare opportunity for artists to have free access to the London space for a month. Here, multidisciplinary practices combine for residencies, parties and even supper clubs

Situated inside Piccadilly Tube Station and has done shows with Harley Weir, Ryan McGinley and more. The gallery never actually opens or closes, all the art you need to see is in its shop window

The ICA is a melting pot of both emerging and established underground artists that cover film, photography, performance, and installation, as well as talks, lectures and panels. Keep an eye out for its Friday night programmes which is when they host progressive events, club nights and other happenings

A stone’s throw from Peckham Rye Overground is the Hannah Barry Gallery. An incredible influence on the city’s contemporary art scene – particularly in pushing interest South-East. After hitting the gallery, climb the stairs at Peckham’s multi-storey carpark and experience Bold Tendencies. It's a not-for-profit art and cultural programme that takes place each Summer, organised by Barry, and featuring both local and international commissions. Bold Tendencies is also where you’ll find Simon Whybray’s 'hi boo i love you', the pink staircase which is actually a long letter to a long distance girlfriend

The Chisenhale Gallery in East London is an innovative contemporary space that regularly commissions artists to “pursue their most ambitious work to date”. The gallery is refreshingly progressive in the work and artists it shows. It also produces limited editions, so be sure to check out the shop and invest in the next generation's work

The Tate is literally next to my office, which is maybe why I have an affinity to it, despite also a lot of conflict with some of its practices. If you want to buy one of your fave artworks, likely Tate will have a postcard of it or something similar... I’m a sucker for collecting images and ephemera, so this is my first stop

Ashleigh Kane's Top London Gallery and Museums 

Glasgow

My local spot and an off-grid gem owned by my pal Paul, who’s full of passion and incredible knowledge. He makes coffee machines, and grows and roasts his own beans. I get schooled every time I come in and I love it.

A quick 15 minutes from my studio is the famous Barras Market. We’re not here to shop for treasure but for my favourite doughnuts: six sugar donuts for £3.50.

On the other side of town is Ottoman Coffee House. Probably one of the most unique spots in Glasgow that isn’t so well-known. It’s run by two brothers – Imran and Irfan [Akhtar] – and sits in the Glasgow Society of Musicians building. I’d recommend getting the mixed grill and Kyoto drip coffee.

Best pizza in Glasgow without a doubt. It’s got a small menu but everything is next level.

Right round the corner is Crownpoint Studios where Sadeo is based. We’ve got two floors of incredible space and light. We really love how industrial this area is, it’s safe and a fun spot to be in.

Studio Sadeo’s Guide to Independent Spots in Glasgow

Wekaforé

Barcelona

Home of Barcelona football club. The past few times I've gone to see them has been ridiculous because they're too good. During the day it's packed and there are thousands of people on the streets

There’s a museum up the stairs which is cool. If you go running at night time up to the Montjuic there’s the Olympic stadium, which was renovated in 1989 for the Barcelona Olympics. It’s quiet and it's beautiful.

Twice a week, a select few people are invited to partake in an Egosex rehearsal in their studio in Poblenou. The band classifies their music as ‘Jungle Trance Blues’ and is best when heard live

A place for all the young fashion designers in Barcelona trying to realise their ideas. Martin and his team are the most passionate and down to earth catalysts in the city behind the curtains

Wekaforé's Top Spots in Barcelona

Sama Beydoun 

Beirut

Best hidden spot for a good coffee in the heart of the city. You can grab coffee during the day and catch some live music at night. Ask for Youssef, he'll tell you all about the space or he’ll hit you up with some special recommendations. My favorites are the ginger lemon honey tea or the iced doppio, that you can ask the waiter for, it’s off the menu.

Exquisite brunch or sandwiches with beautiful sunlight if you’re sitting outside. I often pass by for coffee too. If it gets crowded it extends onto the facing staircases, for a drink literally on the streets on Beirut. Ask for Antoine, he’s the sweetest and the funniest, he’s usually there until the afternoon, probably singing along to the music spreading his joie-de-vivre.

For film photographers and printmaking lovers, I develop my films at the Beirut printmaking studio, hidden in an alley in Gemmayzeh. Tarek opened this space to gather artists, photographers and creatives, where they can take different printmaking, developing and darkroom classes. Ask him about the names of the cats. You’re in for a ride.

If you’re looking for a special gift or a souvenir, Plan Bey is the ideal stop. Posters, books, prints and many projects that carry so much of Beirut’s visual identity and spirit. The selection of artists is amongst Lebanon’s finest in the contemporary art scene. If you take the stairs you get to the coffeeshop too, it’s beautiful.

Souk el Tayeb is a farmer’s market that happens every Saturday where you can buy vegetables from the farmers themselves. Fresh, fair, colorful, and so tasty. There’s also stands with delicious recipes and innovative projects reviving or revisiting some culinary Lebanese traditions. You must try Em Ali’s manoushe, you will not regret it.

For an afternoon meeting, an evening date or a late night drink, Molo never fails me. “Molo” is the name of the owner herself, who’s often serving you your food or your “Mexican beer” (light beer with lemon juice and salt, delicious). She can always recommend the latest addition to the menu. It has a great outdoors sitting area in the Badaro neighborhood, where you’ll have plenty of choices for the bar that will follow.

Ballroom Blitz is definitely a must if you’re a nightlife lover and a club hopper. It’s located in an industrial area, where more than one club are located. The 3-room experience offers different styles with their respective selection of fine DJs. You won’t come out before you can’t stand on your feet anymore, still wanting more. A cherished space-space for sure.

When you come out of Ballroom Blitz in the middle of the night completely famished, jump to Jabbour, nearby, to grab one of the best Shawarmas in town. Special tip: Ask the man making you the sandwich to add some grenadine molasse to it. An explosion of taste.

For a proper Lebanese lunch or dinner, locals eat at Mezyan, in the Hamra neighborhood. I can’t even begin to count all the things on the menu that are worth trying: Cashew Halloumi, Eggplant Fatté, Batata Harra, Fattoush, obviously hummus. Oh and a pitcher of Araq of course. Choose a night with live music, it often ends up being a party.

For proper sunset and sea view, get ready to trespass the metal fence from the Corniche (don’t panic, everyone does). Grab a snack, a hot drink as it gets windy and choose where you would like to sit, vue-sur-mer. The blessing of living so close to the Mediterranean Sea.

Explore The Creative Underbelly of Beirut with Sama

Jordan Nocturne

Belfast

Originally destined to be a short-term pop-up, Freight is difficult to miss as it's housed in two shipping containers on the main Newtownards Road. It's brunch and dinner filled with Belfast character - the crispy shrimp po'boy is my pick, and if you ask for Christy you'll be well looked after!

A 'town square' in the traditional sense of the word. Enjoy a coffee and watch the diverse characters who have made the square home - from skate crews to edgy Gen-Z kids hanging out with their friends.

Dumplings & cocktails set to a soundtrack of balearic, disco or whatever fits the vibe.

Home to some of Belfast's most exciting creatives and independent artists, Vault is a community-driven collective of art studios based in an imposing former school building. From circus performers to musicians it's a genuine haven for eccentricity and art.

I came across rivet on the recommendation of my friend Timmy Stewart, who I run The Night Institute alongside. Run by one of Belfast's original rave crew, Ricky Johnston, I recently got kitted out from the comfort of Ricky's garage.

If you can brave the queue, your hangover is sorted. My tip is to pop to the off-licence down the road whilst waiting, grab a cold Estrella, and take your sandwich over to Stormont park and hope security doesn't notice.

Jordan Nocturne's Guide To Belfast

Christian Luiten 

Amsterdam

The best museum for contemporary art. Probably one of the best in Europe, so if you're in Amsterdam you should go check it out.

A gallery from South Africa. They have a small space in the Netherlands and they represent cool artists such as Simphiwe Ndzube, Neo Matloga and Viviane Sassen. It's a small gallery so it's hard to find, but it's really great and in the middle of Amsterdam's centre.

The best gallery in Amsterdam in terms of how it started, but they are also playing on the international field. They’re in NYC and London and they show really great contemporary art.

You can see some of the best work in Amsterdam here.

A photography museum. It's also a beautiful building so if you don’t like the photos you can appreciate the space. It's on the canals, one of the townhouses in Amsterdam. The art is really beautiful.


Not everyone can go here all the time, but they sometimes have open days and open studios where you can see cool stuff and spot a lot of new talent.

Amsterdam's Best Art Galleries and Museums, Selected by Avant Arte

Lillian Hardy

Portland

Go in the morning, get breakfast (ask for the house made hot sauce) and get the cookie to-go. It’s award winning! Take that cookie on a walk up Mt. Tabor! Say hi to the trees.

I spend hours here nerding out on stationary, organizational tools and pens. They have the best selections of paper, manga and tiny sticker books.

This place is out near my studio, so we hit it the most. Be prepared, it gets very rowdy! The dancers are amazingly strong, completely nude and lovely to talk to. Don’t forget, tip every song-- $2 bills only! Throw down more and the show is yours.

A local event space, gallery and grocery store that supports Palestinian artists and activists.

Fresh oysters on Sunday and mind blowing cocktails.

This is my studio. We throw events, art shows, pop-ups and have a range of fun toys to play with. Come by for tea, stay for a while.

Order the baked fish and a white Manhattan.

Live out your organic dad dreams here. Bring cash and a tote. Get the steamy corn :-)

Get out of town and into a hike: Coyote Wall or Dog Mountain. Chase some waterfalls on the old highway then get lunch at White Salmon Bakery. Stop by a winery if you’ve got the time! Hiyu is great.

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