Who knew there were art galleries in Goa?

"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see" - Edgar Degas

In Goa, partying and merriment are the order of the day all year round. Few people realise, however, that Goa also has a rich and vibrant art and cultural scene, where local and foreign artists, with innovative minds, collaborate to promote international and Indian art forms.

Various galleries are located around Goa. Here are a few of the major ones:

1. Sunaparanta, Goa Centre for the Arts

Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts is a non-profit arts initiative founded by Dipti and Dattaraj V. Salgaocar. The centre is a strong advocate for the arts in Goa, providing working and exhibition space, assistance with exchange and grant funding initiatives, infrastructural and creative support for special co-operative projects, networking with state, national and international organizations

It has exhibition galleries, a library, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, an open-air amphitheatre, and a courtyard that houses Café Al Fresco.

Location: Altinho, Panjim, Goa

Timings: 10am - 7pm (closed on Sundays)

2. Gallery Gitanjali

The gallery exhibits a large collection of Scandinavian art from the 50s to the 90s, including lithographs, serigraphs, linocuts, woodcuts and etchings. Over the years, the gallery has evolved into a central cultural space, offering an alternative art studio, a cafe and a conference/workshop venue.

Traditional art shares wall space with edgy contemporary work, while a mixed media installation sits alongside Gond and Bhil tribal art. The gallery space is a quintessential mix of art from local as well as international artists.

Location: Fontainhas, Panjim, Goa

Timings: 9am-1:30pm, 2-6pm (closed on Sundays)

3. Carpe Diem, Art and Learning Centre

Carpe Diem which popularly translates into “Seize the Day”, is exactly that. Located in a 260-year-old ancestral house in Majorda, it provides the ideal launchpad for creative explorations as well as a venue for performances by both first timers as well as professionals. They are very popular in South Goa for the weekly workshops on different forms of crafts.

Location: Gomes Waddo, Majorda, Goa

Timings: 10 am – 7 pm

4. The Cube Gallery

Designed and built by Sonny Singh, an architect and artist of international reputation, the Cube Gallery defies easy comparisons. It serves as an exhibition hall and creative nerve centre for a growing community of artists, both new and mid-career. As you walk through the cubic themed gallery, be ready to get mesmerized by some unique and eclectic pieces of art by budding artists.

Location: Calizor Vaddo, Moira Village, Goa

Timings: 11am-6pm (Wednesday to Saturday)