"My Rating: 2/5
Class: informal self-tour

Review: San Felipe Art District, Bogotá

As an international artist who regularly visits art districts and galleries worldwide, I was eager to explore the San Felipe Art District, located about 22 minutes north of downtown Bogotá. However, my visit fell short of expectations, though it's worth noting that visiting on a Monday likely contributed to the overall disappointment.

Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by how difficult it was to locate the various galleries and workshops within this eclectic six-block art district. The absence of clear signage or indications of where these creative spaces were located made navigating the area frustrating. This lack of accessibility was one of the most significant disappointments, as it hindered what could have been an inspiring visit.

My first stop was at a charming gallery showcasing the work of local artist Camilo Hernández Amaya. His talent and the quality of his work offered a glimpse into the district's artistic potential, making this the highlight of my visit. Unfortunately, this experience was not replicated elsewhere. After asking locals for directions, I managed to track down two more locations, one of which was Curandera Espacio Cultural. This space housed around 20 pieces of artwork, and while the team was accommodating and made an effort to open their doors for me, the limited collection and overall presentation did not meet my expectations.

Overall, the San Felipe Art District was a sharp disappointment. As an artist familiar with studio spaces and gallery locations, I found the district to be poorly organized and difficult to navigate. Many galleries and workshops were closed, with no clear indication of their hours or when they might reopen. The absence of an organized system or clear communication about the artists in residence left me feeling disconnected from what could have been a vibrant artistic community.

Recommendation for Enhancing the San Felipe Art District

To improve the experience for future visitors, I recommend the district install a central information board ( it the photo I attached) in the park area. This “Artist” board could include bios of all local artists, their opening hours, the types of artistic mediums they work with, and contact details. Artists like Camilo Hernández Amaya, who made a strong impression on my visit, could benefit greatly from such an initiative. This enhancement would make it easier for visitors to navigate the district, arrange private consultations, and connect with artists in residence. It could significantly improve the district's accessibility and appeal, making it a more organized and welcoming destination for art enthusiasts.

Future Approach to Enhance the Area

To further enhance the Art District and attract more tourists, I suggest the following approaches:

1. Create a Comprehensive Visitor Experience: organized, featuring live demonstrations, artist talks, and workshops.

2. Leverage Digital Presence and Marketing : Launch a robust online platform or mobile app showcasing the district's artists, events, and exhibitions. This could include virtual tours, artist interviews, and an interactive calendar of events. Social media campaigns, in collaboration with local influencers

3. Foster Community and Cultural Collaborations :Partner with local businesses, hotels, and tour operators to create art-centric travel packages that include guided tours, exclusive gallery visits

In conclusion, while the San Felipe Art District has massive potential, it needs better organization, accessibility, and marketing to become a truly vibrant and attractive art destination. With the right improvements, it could flourish and attract a steady stream of both local and international visitors."

Jay Charvat

"Hip neighbourhood with galleries, concept stores and cool bars/ restaurants. Very friendly and safe!"

Daniel

"We visited the area a sunday and it was pretty slow and closed down. A lot of nice murals but you get that everywhere in Bogota."

Calle Hedrén