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Shanghai's best creative communities and art groups

Shanghai draws creatives from far and wide, giving us some great communities as a result

By Yu Zhiming Posted: Friday July 5 2019

Shanghai has tons of creatives and amazing artists from all over China and around the globe. As a result, there are plenty of creative communities out there for hobby and working artists alike to get inspired, connect, share, sell and create together – best of all, they're always looking to welcome more. Here are some of Shanghai's best.

SHMadness

SHMadness is a bi-weekly networking event for people working in various creative industries like media, PR, music, film and design. Each event has several guest speakers sharing their experiences as creative individuals, discussing topics like bridging cultural gaps in art and tech in relation to humanity. Add its WeChat (ID: SH-MADNESS) for more.

Dragon Burn

In the spirit of Burning Man, which takes place annually at Black Rock City in Nevada, US, the Shanghai iteration of the world famous hippie festival celebrates principles like radical inclusion, decommodification and radical self-expression. The five-day celebration is filled with interactive art and music and it culminates with The Burn, where hundreds of Burners witness a massive campfire illuminating the spring sky. The main fest happens around May every year, but Dragon Burn also holds events throughout the year. Check out the Dragon Burn website for more info.

Elevate

Elevate organises regular exhibitions, panel discussions, performances and art markets bringing artists, collectors and anyone interested together. It's also an incubator for emerging and working artists to network, share ideas and get management advice. Its regular events include casual drink-and-chat night, Tuesday Tunesday that takes place at Shaoxing Lu's TY7 Bar, and a monthly disco party, among other pop-up events. Follow its WeChat (ID:ElevateChina) for more.

B人BEL

B人BEL is a non-profit organisation that strives for a more equal and inclusive society through art. Its annual five-day CRITICA festival, which takes place in late May and early June, is all about celebrating diversity and promoting social inclusion and has art exhibitions, poetry performances and panel discussions on topics like language, gender, sexuality and disability. It also publishes a physical magazine that tells the stories of people who are often ignored or misrepresented by mainstream media. Add its WeChat (ID: pyramidofbabel) for more.

Clara Non-profit DIY

Clara Non-profit DIY brings together an environmentally conscious crowd, all interested in DIY art. Using mostly donated materials like yarn and cloth, the group's founder, Clara, and the team teach volunteers to knit and crochet goods like clothing, scarves and rugs. These are then sold at pop-up markets around town, with all proceeds going to charities, like Children's Hope Foundation, that help disadvantaged kids. Visit the group's website here for details on how to get involved.

ARCDES

Established in 2010, ARCDES is one of the city's oldest creative communities. The name comes from a combination of ‘architecture’ and ‘design’, but the members come from more than these two fields. ARCDES encourages participants to get involved and discuss topics relating to art, and there’s also an ARCDES Hong Kong group for those of moving down south but wanting to stay connected. Visit the ARCDES website for more.

MUSEu&m

It seems that MUSEu&m (MUSE you and me) does it all – it’s a design studio that organises exhibitions, workshops, pop-up shops, art performances and more. Its three pillars are Muse Mart, Muse Design and Muse Mag. Muse Mart helps to promote creatives and artists online and offline through art markets, Muse Design focuses on space design and showcases, and Muse Mag publishes stories mainly about design, art and literature. Follow its WeChat (ID: muse-um-art) for more.

Aftersunset

With a focus on dance, body expression and performance art, Aftersunset organises weeklong workshops to promote slow living and achieving your inner Zen with its founder Jessica and guest artists. Anybody who wants to know more about somatic practice is encouraged to participate, professional or not. Add its WeChat (ID: SHININGBRIDGE) for more.