As a seasoned journalist and mother of six-year-old twins, meticulous planning is second nature to me. Yet, when an unexpected invitation arrived to attend the ninth edition of the Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) in Panjim, Goa, in December 2024, I embraced the opportunity without hesitation. My anticipation was tinged with curiosity—what awaited me beyond the conventional confines of galleries and auditoriums?

Discover Art in Every Moment: An Unscripted Experience That Transforms Lives

The Unexpected Beauty of Public Spaces

Upon arriving at one of the 22 venues scattered across Panjim, I found myself in the historic GMC Building. Ascending the stairs, I immersed myself in the vibrant atmosphere, where each room revealed a distinct exhibition. After two rounds of diligent exploration, my back protested, signaling a much-needed break. Standing on the balcony, I realized that art was not confined to walls or stages—it thrived in the interactions among visitors, the spontaneous creativity encouraged by organizers, and the freedom granted to participants.

Art as a Way of Life: Beyond Traditional Boundaries

The festival's emphasis on sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement redefined my understanding of art. It became clear that art is not merely an event but a continuous thread woven into daily life. For instance, The Night Market of Stories transformed the Panjim Market into a dynamic space for storytelling and performance, celebrating the unapologetic expression of women and queer artists. Interactive workshops and pop-up installations invited visitors to engage with everyday objects in unconventional ways, fostering a deeper connection between art and life.

A Global Collaboration: Where Cultures Converge

Over 1,800 artists from around the globe collaborated to present more than 200 projects spanning various disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theatre, culinary arts, and crafts. Smriti Rajgarhia, director of SAF, highlighted the festival's role in balancing diverse artistic narratives while remaining inclusive and culturally sensitive. Collaborations and creative partnerships ensured that the programming reflected the multiplicity of voices within the arts ecosystem. Initiatives like Goa Familia explored Goan histories, while projects such as Sempre Fado blended traditional Goan sounds with Portuguese Fado, showcasing the region's multicultural heritage.

Transforming Urban Spaces: The Power of Creative Placemaking

Panjim's unique charm provided an ideal backdrop for exploring the concept of creative placemaking. Over the past nine years, the city has served as a living laboratory, allowing the festival to experiment with urban spaces in innovative ways. Heritage buildings were repurposed into temporary galleries, public spaces were activated with performances, and waterfront installations shifted perceptions about urban usage. These ephemeral interventions have begun to influence more permanent changes, creating a vibrant dialogue between local traditions and international influences.

Personal Encounters: The Heart of the Festival

One of the festival's delights was the people it brought together. Conversations with a septuagenarian ceramicist and a former corporate professional now running a coffee shop in Goa added texture to my experience. Each encounter offered a glimpse into lives transformed by passion and purpose. The highlight of my journey was undoubtedly the River Raag—a musical conversation between contrasting instruments curated by Bickram Ghosh. As I sat by the river, transported by the melodies of Padma Shankar and BC Manjunath, I realized that art transcends physical boundaries and exists in movement, music, and food.

Serendipity in Action: Embracing the Unpredictable

Leaving Panjim, I carried with me a renewed appreciation for the unexpected, for stories unfolding in their own time, and for the art of discovery. Serendipity reminded me that art is not something we visit or see; it is something we inhabit. Unlike conventional art fairs, Serendipity spills into the streets, riverbanks, and heritage buildings, transforming Panjim into a canvas. It is immersive and delightfully unstructured—exactly the kind of serendipity I didn’t know I was looking for.