Share
Sep 9, 2019 • 5 min read
Backpackers frequently volunteer in exchange for accommodation while traveling, a strategy that helps reduce expenses. Common tasks might include housekeeping, teaching English, or farming. However, as one traveling artist discovered, many hostels also welcome more creative work arrangements.
Based in London, street artist Frankie Strand is celebrated for her vibrant, larger-than-life murals. Over the last five years, she has contributed her artistic talents to various events, including Milan Fashion Week and Greenpeace at Glastonbury. When not raising awareness about conservation or environmental issues through her artwork, Frankie transforms walls across many cities into colorful canvases.
In 2018, with a trip planned to South Asia and a desire to learn more about global ecological challenges, Frankie began outreach to charities in search of collaborative opportunities. Soon enough, she secured accommodation in exchange for artwork aimed at raising awareness about elephant poaching for The Wildlife and Natural Protection Society at Kaudulla National Park, Sri Lanka. It became clear to Frankie that her art could serve as both currency and a force for good while traveling.
Where, How, and Why?
According to Frankie, ‘‘In 2018, I traveled across Sri Lanka and India. At the beginning of this year, I stayed in Kerala before heading back to Sri Lanka.
The first location where Frankie stayed was a peaceful beachside retreat known as Panny Packers in Unawatuna. ‘‘[The hostel] had posted an advertisement online indicating they were open to creative contributions from their guests. I reached out and informed them of my artistic background, proposing that I could stay there in exchange for painting for them. They embraced the idea, allowing me to stay for five or six nights at no cost.
In contrast to other Asian nations with larger tourist populations, Frankie states that her experience shows, ‘‘Sri Lanka has been the most welcoming when it comes to these types of exchanges. India, however, was less receptive due to the high volume of visitors, yet I managed to stay in Goa for a week in exchange for a few paintings. You simply need to reach out to hostels along the backpacker trails and gauge their response.’
The Creative Process
Given that much of Frankie’s portfolio is dedicated to promoting conservation, she found it straightforward to draw inspiration from her biodiverse surroundings.
Prior to her travels, she connected with various places, showcasing examples of her work and articulating her intention to raise awareness on environmental issues. ‘It’s a hot topic, so most hostel owners were quite enthusiastic about my ideas,’ she reflects. For instance, Sion Surf Camp in Ahangama expressed concern regarding cigarette butts littering the area, prompting them to request a mural reflecting that issue.
Is Your Art Enough?
Frankie notes, ‘Nowhere I stayed anticipated anything from me other than the artwork I had offered to create.’ She mentions feeling somewhat pampered, explaining, ‘People were incredibly generous. In contrast to other volunteers, I had the freedom to paint on my own terms and come and go as I wished. It felt like a privilege. The Surf Camp even provided me with a container bedroom for an entire week, along with free surf lessons and breakfast, in exchange for just one mural.’
The Impact
In today’s Instagram era, large-scale art can provide invaluable marketing for small businesses, particularly those attracting young backpackers.
Frankie expresses, ‘I believe my artwork enhances the attractiveness of the locations. At The Doctor’s House in Matara, I transformed their pizza oven from a plain cement dome into a striking octopus, creating an interesting focal point that almost turns it into a landmark. The more tourists discuss these places, the more business they are likely to attract.’
Tips
Don’t Be Shy to Contact Hostels Directly
‘I discovered that reaching out to a place directly via email provided me with better leverage regarding what they requested. Applying through work exchange websites can lead to unwarranted volunteer terms that may not align with what you bring to the table.’
Know Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
‘Understanding your unique selling point is crucial. Research thoroughly to ensure you’re offering something valuable.’
Paint for Free as Well as for Freebies
‘Executing artwork in public areas is an excellent way to gain visibility. Frequently, individuals approach me to create murals for their homes or businesses in exchange for accommodation.
‘For example, I contributed a mural to Girls Make Waves—an initiative promoting surfing among Sri Lankan women. Traditionally, it has been a male-dominated sport in Sri Lanka for over three decades due to cultural norms. I painted this mural on International Women’s Day, which made the experience particularly meaningful.’
GoTravelDaily does not endorse any organization not directly associated with us; we strongly advise travelers to independently investigate any volunteer opportunities to assess standards and suitability.
