Shravani G Kumbhar
Cafes are no longer just spaces for food and beverages, as many are now turning into creative venues for workshops such as reading, painting, sketching and other artistic activities. These workshops transform cafes into vibrant spaces that attract people who want to explore creative activities while enjoying a calm and relaxed atmosphere. The growing popularity of cafe workshops reflects changing mindsets and social habits. People today are looking for opportunities to explore fresh ideas, learn skills and gain meaningful experiences beyond regular entertainment. Instead of simply meeting friends for coffee, many now prefer spaces where they can interact, learn and participate in community-based activities. Cafe workshops combine learning with comfort, cozy music and conversations, making them enjoyable for both organisers and participants.
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CREATIVITY, COMFORT, EXPERIENCE THROUGH CAFE WORKSHOPS Many believe cafes naturally become the right places for workshop activities. The friendly environment, food and learning activities in a peaceful setting make people feel comfortable, open to interaction and inspired. These workshops are often visually appealing and interactive, making them increasingly popular. According to Devashree Shivadekar, 39, Panjim, screenwriter and home chef who organises workshops in cafes, she says, “I conduct pasta making workshops.” Speaking about the experience of collaborating with cafes, she says, “I wanted to create an experience for my participants. Collaborating with a cafe naturally comes with its ambience, services and food & drink offerings. A beautiful location attracts people to step out more.” Talking about why cafes are becoming popular creative spaces today, she explains, “Oddly enough, it helps drown out the procrastinating tendencies you’d normally have at home. It forces you to work, with little to no personal distractions. The unfamiliar space sometimes inspires you more than home. Even the act of getting ready, getting in a cab and going to a cafe feels like an achievement in itself.” Cafe workshops help people experience something different from their regular schedules, create memorable moments and encourage them to step out of their comfort zones, explore hobbies and enjoy activities. “I realised that when people commit to stepping outside their house, they expect a little bit of spectacle. They like being taken care of, experiencing something that is different from their home lives. Going to a cafe, indulging in the ambience, smelling the fresh coffee, seeing people enjoying each other’s companies gives you a sense of fun that you wouldn’t get at home,” explains Devashree. Adding further on whether people attend mainly for learning or socialising, she says, “Honestly, both. Some people especially in Goa love socialising. A lot of people move to Goa for work and end up living alone. They are looking for people to talk to, make friends and network. Workshops like mine gives them the opportunity to do just that. And both Kids and Adults can attend my workshops. From 7 till 70 years old.” Archana Nagvekar, computer engineer by profession, who love books says, “We regularly have book discussions in cafes and also in bookshops, and every time there is a good turnout of people.” She also adds that such gatherings include interactive activities. “We also have fun events like quizzes and games based on books.”
A PLACE FOR INTERACTION AND SHARING IDEAS Cafe workshops do not only become spaces for activities but also places where people sit together with strangers or friends while painting, writing, cooking or discussing ideas, creating a sense of belonging while bringing out their creative side and embracing their thoughts and skills. Alex Alphonso, 25, an artist, believes cafe workshops are open to everyone regardless of age and experience. Alex says, “It depends on the workshop we hold. The workshops pertain to both kids and adults for knowledge.” Speaking about the type of workshops hosted, Alex says, “We have art workshops where we host artists to come and create. We have also had workshops on wood cut print making and art histories. And it helps people create, share ideas and meet others.” When people from different places come together to attend cafe workshops, the space becomes livelier and vibrant with the energy, conversations and creativity they bring along. “Such cafe workshops mean entering a cafe and also experiencing art, talking about it, and learning, sharing ideas and being part of a community. When the workshop happens, everyone sits together around a large table, chit chatting, laughing, having coffee or lemon tea and talking about fans. It is creativity for all, you can still make and scribble,” says Alex.
A SPACE TO SHOWCASE TALENT Apart from learning and creativity, cafe workshops also help cafes grow as businesses. Organising such events helps cafes gather people, build strong relationships with visitors and create unique experiences. Nasim Beig, a guest relation by designation, says, “Mostly people in their mid-20s and 30s prefer to do workshop.” According to Nasim, cafes organise a wide range of creative activities and events. “They have cafe workshops like Lafa workshop and pop-up events where chefs come to showcase their cooking talent.” She believes the popularity of cafe workshops continues to grow as more people seek engaging experiences. Nasim also explains, “To increase business, people organise workshops to gather people, and friends and families come together to attend these events.” Workshops allow participants to step away from routine life and engage in creative or educational activities. Gaurav Prajapati, chef, believes cafe workshops attract both younger and older generations because learning interests everyone. He says, “It is about learning, so both old and young people show up and workshops like permaculture, yoga, reading and painting also take place.” People attend workshops to explore fresh ideas and gain deeper knowledge. “Mainly, people attend cafe workshops for learning, and they come back if they love the experience,” says Gaurav. The popularity of cafe workshops is growing as they provide a dynamic and inclusive way of exploring ideas and self-expression. They are evolving into creative communities where inspiration, interaction and artistic expression come together. People with different creative ideas gather to understand various topics, gain knowledge, share experiences with one another and grow together, turning strangers into friends over a cup of coffee and drinks.
