Hardcore culture-vulture? Not booked your hols yet? Freelance copywriter Jane Rajeck has some invaluable pointers for you
Summer’s here – time to book yourself a city-break getaway. You’re in the mood for a bit of culture, but where should you head? Well, a quick straw poll of the agency delivered following five can’t-fail options.
1. Leipzig
A decaying industrial past has given way to a flourishing underground art scene in Leipzig, located in the eastern German state of Saxony. Factory after factory is being transformed into a space to create and/or consume contemporary art.
Head to the west of the city and you’ll find the Leipziger Baumwollspinnerei complex – or ‘Spinnerei’ for short – once a thriving cotton mill and now an equally thriving collection of studios and galleries. Further west still, Kunstkraftwerk, a former power station, is drawing in experimental artists from all over the world with its massive installation space.
Goodbye Berlin, hello Leipzig!
2. Warsaw
When you think of contemporary European art, Warsaw isn’t usually the first city to spring to mind – but that’s precisely what gives it its ‘best kept secret’ allure.
For newcomers to this underground culture hotpsot, the annual Warsaw Gallery Weekend (taking place 22–24 September this year) is a great place start. Discover a tantalising combination of grandeur and edge in Poland’s capital.
3. Lisbon
Away from the beautiful beaches and historic town centre, Lisbon used to be a bit of a cultural wasteland. Recently, however, things have started to turn around for those involved in the local art scene.
Leading the way in the city’s cultural revitalisation is Village Underground, described as a “certificated creative incubator space, a co-working community and a creative events destination”. In London, the same initiative resulted in a space built from repurposed tube carriages; in sunny Lisbon, it’s old buses and shipping containers. Well worth a look.
4. Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital may only be small – you can cycle across it in just 35 minutes – but Copenhagen is jam-packed with all things art-related.
The highest concentration of exhibition spaces can be found in the vibrant Meatpacking District. Three of the best: LARMgalleri (often hosts politically-charged exhibitions); Galleri Bo Bjerggaard (international photography and video work); and V1 Gallery (mostly Danish artists, leaning heavily towards video and installation pieces).
Hire a bike, see them all!
5. Madrid
Madrid has a justifiably glowing reputation for attracting some of the world’s most celebrated artists and artworks. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia alone has played host to works by Dali, Gris, Miró and Picasso, to name but a few.
Equally exciting is the city’s burgeoning street-art scene, which boasts some of the most spectacular work we’ve ever seen. If you’re in Madrid and into graffiti, check out The Tabacalera Area in Embajadores and Malasaña for a visual-0verload treat.
Jane Rajeck is a freelance copywriter; 90degrees is an independent creative communications agency based in Manchester
