Art Jobs Abroad

Cities such as London, Tokyo, and Barcelona are well-known for their contributions to the modern art community and the business of fine arts. However, these cities can also be expensive and extremely competitive. The list below outlines a few other options beyond these famous hubs that are perfect for up-and-coming artists.

São Paulo, Brazil is famous for beaches and parties, but there are several areas of the city that breed creativity in emerging and exciting mediums. Outside of the bright, politically-relevant street art that covers São Paulo, artists are dabbling in neon and concept art. The city is supportive of young talent and the art community is welcoming of newcomers.

Jakarta, Indonesia is the place to be if you specialize in digital art. Indonesia is exploding with all things technology and internet related, and the artists here are no exception. If you have a good mind for business and are considering an art-related start-up, this is the place to be for both funding and support. Jakarta is the spot where creativity meets business. 

Macau, People’s Republic of China might at first seem like an unexpected choice for an emerging artist. It’s also possible you’ve never heard of it before - as a playground for the wealthy it might not be on your radar quite yet. Under the glitzy surface, Macau has some neighborhoods and organizations that are incredibly supportive of artists. Due to the resources in the city, artists can run with their ideas and might even be able to get funding for it.

Berlin, Germany is a little different than the other cities on this list because it probably comes as no surprise that it’s still at the center of the art world. Photography, design, fashion, and fine art are all thriving in this metropolis. What might be surprising is the affordability of living and working in Berlin - a studio apartment is about $800 per month and public transportation and food are affordable. If you can find a way to live in Berlin, you should.

Depending on your specific medium or specialization, you might consider another location that’s not on this list. For example artists who specialize in art restoration would want to consider Florence, while those who want to work in fashion or design should think about Paris or Milan.