The Transformative Power of Art in Travel

In Lake Oswego, we are fortunate to have incredible artwork all around us. Establishments like the Lakewood Center for the Arts, numerous city festivals, and the abundance of local artisans contribute to make this city unique. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego actively promotes local art and artists through their Gallery Without Walls program, turning the city into an open-air museum featuring works from both local and international artists. This initiative beautifies public spaces and makes art accessible to all, fostering a sense of community and shared cultural heritage. By weaving various types of art into daily life in Lake Oswego, our commitment to the arts has fostered an environment where creativity thrives, with clear cultural, educational, and economic benefits.

Over the years, I have come to appreciate the role that art plays in enriching our clients’ travel experiences as well. It helps foster deeper connections with the cultures they encounter around the world and, like here at home, it brings people together, nurtures community spirit and introduces new perspectives. I believe it also has the unique power to bridge gaps, uplift impoverished communities, create new enterprises, preserve cultural heritage, and drive social change. Many of our trusted partners recognize art’s immense impact and transformative power and have incorporated it into their offerings to enhance guest experiences and improve the communities they operate in.

Viking Cruises supports the arts through its Cultural Partners program. From PBS Masterpiece and the Royal Academy of Arts to the British Museum and the Terra Cotta Warriors, these partnerships help foster the arts worldwide, conserve historical treasures, and promote global knowledge. These collaborations provide guests with exclusive access to world-class art, music, history, and cultural narratives, aligning with Viking’s mission to create meaningful and transformative travel experiences.

Travel & Cruise Desk is currently working with Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy on a project to provide LifeStraw filtration systems in Puros, Namibia. In addition to initiatives like Safe Water for Schools, AKP supports numerous art-focused community projects worldwide, such as creative programs that bring optimism and opportunity to Rio de Janeiro’s Vidigal favela and various performance arts initiatives and crafts cooperatives.

Sandals and Beaches Resorts are renowned for their all-inclusive, adults-only and family-friendly getaways. Their non-profit arm, the Sandals Foundation, is currently commemorating 15 years of championing community give-back initiatives that include an Artisan Programme and education for children in the Caribbean. Focusing on arts education, providing supplies, and establishing after-school programs, these efforts help foster a love for the arts among young people, offering them creative outlets and opportunities to express themselves, thereby building their confidence and skills.

As you plan your next adventure, consider exploring destinations enriched by art and supporting the artists, communities, and cultural institutions that make our world a more beautiful and connected place. By doing so, you’ll not only discover new horizons but will also become part of a global tapestry that values creativity, cultural heritage, and shared human experiences.