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Inspirasi Indonesian Arts Festival

Celebrating 50,000 Years of Peace Between Australia and Indonesia

The beauty and diversity of Indonesian arts and culture is soon to be showcased in Byron Bay. Celebrating the beginning of the month-long Inspirasi Indonesian Arts Festival is the opening night at the Byron Bay Community Centre on June 11th. Presenting an eclectic range of art forms, the night promises to be a visual and aural feast.

Traditional and contemporary Indonesian culture come together with a selection of short and feature lengths films. Back by popular demand and certain to be a highlight is Legong, a tale of unrequited love filmed in Bali in the 1930’s. In technicolour and with the original gamelan soundtrack, Legong has long been a film classic and presents a fascinating insight into traditional Balinese life. In contrast, the short films represent a cross section of contemporary visions and concerns. Particularly poignant is Rebuilding Our Lives, a glimpse into the emotional and physical recovery of the people from Banda Aceh. The film celebrates the dignity and tenacity of the survivors rather than focussing on the immensity of the destruction. Providing comedic relief is Breadwinner, a quirky film by local Indonesian identity Tjintana Matahari. Playing on the night will be Obek Junaedi, a Sundanese musician and dancer performing Jaipongan. Also for the first time there will be a fashion parade displaying the intricate traditional outfits of the Sumatran people, as well as from Bali and other parts of Indonesia and the photographic exhibition, Portraits of Love, a series of photos of the beautiful children created through the union of one Indonesian parent and one Australian.

Occurring as a preamble to the festivities is a free film night at the Brunswick Heads Hotel on June the 8th. Showing will be East of Krakatoa, a remarkable documentary by Dr Lawrence Blair, psycho-anthropologist and explorer. Made in the early 70’s, the film charters Blair’s adventures through the remote islands of Indonesia, encountering people still living tribally, untouched by modernity. The viewing will begin at 5pm.

During the following weeks Festival events will focus on performance art and puppetry workshops conducted by internationally-recognised multi-media artist Heri Dono and other visiting Indonesian artists. AIAA has been very fortunate to have received a grant from the Australia Indonesia Insitute for Heri's travel expenses. Heri will also be a major guest speaker at FEHVA 48 Hours of Visual Arts in Byron Bay Community Centre 1-3 July along with internationally renowned gallery owner Mr Agung Rai from ARMA Foundation, Ubud, Bali.

Another major aspect of the Festival will be the transformation of the Byron Arts Factory and Buddha Bar into the Inspirasi Indonesian Festival Epicentre with 50 performers being based there over the weekend of 15-17 July presenting music jams, workshops, rehearsals and performances which promises to be a extremely dynamic addition to the wonderfully diverse and culturally inspiring Festival Program.

The Inspirasi Festival will attract visitors from all over Australia for a ‘Woodford-style’ Gamelan gathering and Indonesian Arts Camp located at the Byron Arts Factory. Some of the Indonesian performing groups and artists tipped to participate include: Heri Dono, Jogjakarta, Efen Jaenudin, Bandung, Dodik Darmani, Gamelan Giri Jaya, Toowoomba; Brisbane Balinese Community, Gold Coast Balinese Dancers, Indonesian Dance Group Gold Coast; Swara Naga Gamelan, Armidale; Rhythm Hunters and many more.

One of the most exciting aspects of the gathering will be a presentation of an explosive performance of the world-famous Kecak Dance. The Kecak dance is one of the most famous and dramatic of the Balinese dances. Taken from the Hindu Epic Ramayana, the dance tells the story of Prince Rama and his rescue of Princess Sita, who has been kidnapped by the evil King of Lanka. The rhythm of the dance is produced by a large chorus of men, making a wondrous cacophony of synchronized "chak-achak-achak" clicking sounds while swaying their bodies and waving their hands.

The Festival concludes with Inspirasi Festival Day on 17 July – a free outdoor concert and workshops at Byron Surf Club and Byron Peace Pole … a finale to entertain all art lovers, featuring Balinese dance, singing and offerings, Gamelan by the Sea, Wayang Golek, Performance art, Dance and Music from Sumatra and all over Indonesia, traditional food and cultural stalls.

Now is your chance to join in the Free Workshops in Balinese Kecak Dance leading up to the performance at the Arts Factory which has been very generously supported by Regional Arts NSW– so Get Inspired and call now- 02 66857789.

For further information on Inspirasi Indonesian Arts Festival contact aiaa@aiaa.org.au or check the AIAA website www.aiaa.org.au