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Keliling-Keliling
Artplayer Maker in Residence
Ubud Writers Festival 2005
Wayang Master in Guiness Book of Records
Project Wayang Sydney
‘Culture in Harmony’ - East Java Artist in Residency
Bali cultural community to hold first Arts Biennale
Swara Bendhe out now !
Performer applications for Woodford Folk Festival
Artplay Maker In Residence
Following the success of the South Project's 2004 Makers in Residence, Indonesian born artist Jummadi will be at ARTPLAY as part of the SOUTH KIDS program of the South Project from the 19-31 July 2005.
Jumaadi will work with children (aged 3 to 10) to talk about Indonesian arts and culture and the wayang rumput - traditional Indonesian grass puppets. Workshops will be open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. For further program information visit www.artplay.com.au, phone 9664 7900 or email artplay@melbourne.vic.gov.au
JUMAADI
0413 681 027
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2005
info@ubudwritersfestival.com
Between Worlds
Antar Bhuwana
8 -11 October workshops 6 11 October
Sit back and enjoy one of life¹s greatest pleasures in one of the world¹s most beautiful settings. Join readers and writers in four days of stimulating and inspiring discussion, poetry readings, conversations, workshops, literary lunches, laughter and festivities amongst people who David Attenborough described as one of the friendliest on earth.
This year¹s Festival brings together some of the world¹s most exciting writers. Join Booker Prize winner, Michael Ondaatje, as he reveals his magical pose and poetry in a discussion of his life and work.
Amitav Ghosh will lead you on a romantic adventure through Egypt and India over a leisurely lunch. Professor Arief Budiman will describe our theme, Between Worlds, and its meaning to Indonesia in modern times. Listen to award-winning writer, Achmat Dangor, discuss the Bitter Fruits of his latest book and growing up in South Africa. Join some of Indonesia¹s hottest women writers as they discuss erotica and the written word. Nia Dinata, Indonesia¹s prize-winning young female film producer will discuss the challenges of film-making in Indonesia. Listen to Linda Spalding as she recounts her adventures in Borneo researching the Orang Utan. Hear the voice of Indonesia¹s exciting, young emerging writers and share in a discussion of Balinese spirituality.
Sharpen your poetry skills and join in an open-mike poetry slam that will have you laughing for days. Enroll in a workshop and learn how to write a play, song, memoir or illustrate a story. Enjoy a night of Balinese entertainment in a village temple, under the stars.
Let the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival change your world. There is no other event like it!
³Ubud has staged a writers festival which is a fitting testament to the artistic, co-operative and above all, friendly town it has always been. This festival should be destined to become one of the great cultural exchanges of the Asian region.² Larry Buttrose
Contact:
Ph/fax: (0361) 973282 , 971605
info@ubudwritersfestival.com
www.ubudwritersfestival.com .... http://www.casalunabali.com
Registration and ticket information available shortly.
Wayang Master in Guiness Book of Records
(from the Gamelan List Serv)
Hi everyone,
I was just suddenly wondering because I never saw any mention of it on this list: Last Summer I witnessed a 24-hour+ wayang at RRI in Semarang, Central Java (2 1/2 hours from Solo) by Ki Manteb Sudarsono, starting from the birth of Kresna and ending with the burial of Duryadana. Ki Manteb did not get up once during the show, he did not go to the bathroom, he did not eat. He just drank and smoked(!) He changed clothes several times during the event (but while remaining seated!), which was always greeted with astonished applause. Every so often a doctor from the nearby ambulance would come and check Ki Manteb's pulse and then give the thumbs up, which was also always applauded. He even did sholat on stage (while the gamelan played so you could hardly notice).
This historic event was followed by proud announcements that not only was this wayang now going in the Guiness book of World Records for longest wayang ever by a single dalang, it also set the record for longest non-stop radio broadcast. I was with one other Canadian and an Argentinian (whom I had invited) and we saw only two other foreigners. The show was also shown on TV. Did no-one hear about this, before or after? did I miss the discussion? Just wondering. This is also a chance for me to convey the profound respect I have for Ki Manteb Sudarsono for doing this. His reason was to demonstrate his dedication to Javanese art and tradition through sacrificing himself in giving a free 24-hour gift of wayang to the Javanese people. Most of the musicians also played non-stop. Unforgettable.
Best,
John Gilbert
Project Wayang Sydney
Khursus Kesenian Dan kerajinan Gratis Indonesian Welfare Association merupakan organisasi nirlaba yang bergerak dibidang kesejahteraan masyarakat Indonesia di Australia. Selama beberapa tahun terakhir, IWA cenderung mengabdi sebagai organisasi yang memberi informasi untuk hal hal mendasar bagaimana sebagai pendatang baru di Australia. Misalnya pemberian informasi mengenahi pekerjaan, perumahan, centerlink dan beberapa persoalan dasar lainnya. Selama itu pula IWA khususnya bekerja dengan ibu ibu Indonesia melalui pendidikan bahasa Inggris serta berbagai pelatihan gratis.
Pada tahun 2005 ini IWA memulai sebuah langkah baru yaitu sebuah kegiatan yang berhubungan dengan pengembangan kebudayaan masyarakat. Yang mana inti daripada kegiatan tersebut adalah Pengembangan kesenian dan kerajinan bagi Masyarakat Indonesia Australia. Misalnya pelatihan membatik, melukis, menggambar, keramik, mematung, menyulam dan menganyam. “ Project Wayang Sydney” juga akan mengajarkan bagaimana membuat wayang dari bahan bahan rumput, kardus, bahan bekas dan daur ulang. Panitia menyediakan bahan dasar gratis dan juga akan didampingi oleh seniman ataupun pengerajin profesional baik dari Indonesia ataupun Australia.
Hasil dari pelatihan diatas akan diselenggarakan pameran dibeebrapa tempat di Sydney dan dijajaki tempat tempat lain di NSW dan Australia secara luas. Project Wayang Sydney didukung oleh NSW Ministry of the Art dan Crown Development.
Aims
Encourage the diversity and sense of identity of the Indonesian community living in NSW by increasing their opportunities to develope and manages their cultural infrastructures, Indonesian puppetry.
Waktu Dan Tempat Pelaksanaan
Dilaksanakan setiap hari Sabtu jam 10 pagi s/d jam 1 siang. selama beberapa bulan di 20 the Esplanade Ashfield 1 Menit dari Ashfield Statiun.
Koordinator Project
Jumaadi adalah koordinator dari Project Wayang Sydney, Seniman kelahiran Indonesia 1973 yang memenangkan penghargaan, hadiah dan beasiswa di Sydney. Karyanya dipamerkan di galeri dan dikoleksi secara luas di Australia, New Zealand, Eropha dan Indonesia. Menamatkan sarjana kesenian dengan jurusan seni lukis dari the National Art School Sydney Australia. selain berkesenian Jumaadi juga memberikan workshop dan menulis artikel mengenahi kebudayaan.
Hubungi: Jumaadi : 93897038 atau hp 0413681027
Jumaadi @hotmail.com
‘Culture in Harmony’ - East Java Artist in Residency
In June 2004 my partner Rachel and I travelled to Indonesia to take part in an artist in residence program at Rumah Budaya Sanggar Perchantingan, a cultural center situated in Sidoarjo near Surabuya, Java. The aim of this Sanggar is to encourage cultural and environmental awareness through the teaching, research and practice of traditional and contemporary art forms and environmental techniques. It provides a meeting place for artists, activists and members of the local community and a space to develop ideas in practicality.
Sanggar Perchantigan became our second home, meeting place and studio. Situated in a rural landscape that hid the encroaching urban developments with the sounds of practicing musicians and performers providing inspiring insights into an amazing culture. I began a series of drawings based on the shapes and stories of Wayang Kulit, traditional shadow puppets whilst Rachel was busy in the gardens and on local farms learning, teaching and sharing different agricultural, permaculture and environmental management techniques. Constant inspiration occurred through meetings with many traditional and well renowned artists, puppet makers, ki dalangs, mask owners, batik artists, musicians, poets and various farmers.
During our residency we were guests of honor of the mayor at official Indonesian children’s day celebrations in Surabuya and met with Ministers for the Departments of Culture and Tourism, Environment and Education. We held a variety of art workshops in schools, villages and community art centers around Sidoarjo and Surabaya and participated in many English speaking forums at high schools, language schools and on talk back radio. We also presented workshops and forums on Australian Indigenous art and culture, Australian environmental management and community organisational frameworks for the local government, non government organisations and wider community. We ongoingly participated in many artist talks and collaboratively created a large mural that evolved during our stay.
The greatest experience of our residency was living with a large family and taking part in daily activities albeit with minimal Indonesian language skills, great games of charades and so much laughter that enabled us to communicate with these beautiful people from 8 months to 88 years. In combination with all the numerous other amazing people that invited and accepted us so readily and easily into their homes and lives we learnt so much about the Javanese culture and family life....and yes it has impressed us.
Our residency concluded with a week long celebration of creativity and cultural sharing titled ‘Culture in Harmony’ that was officially opened by the Sidoarjo Minister for Culture and Tourism. During this time Sanggar Pecantigan presented an art exhibition that included my own and local artists work, a children’s art exhibition, traditional puppet, mask and gammelon performances by Ki Dalangs, poetry, music and drama performances by children’s theatre groups, high schools and local musicians, and countless forums of shared culture and collaborassi.
Many of the artists, performers and friends that we had made during our time at Sanggar Perchantingan came to together for these events in celebration of Cultures in Harmony- the outdoor stage became alive with new friends. It was not an exhibition of skill level or of high art, though the degree of talent was mind boggling, it was about community sharing in the creative cultural experience and an opportunity to produce inspirational outcomes on the very minimal budget that is allowed to these people.
Returning to Australia from Indonesia the thing that stands out most in my memory is the happiness in which people carried out their daily activities. In a world more ancient and in ways more modern, more populated, more polluted, more socially and economically competitive and less funded than Australia, it was the laughter, the sharing and comradery, the welcoming nature and smiles of our new friends that will last with me forever. The stage that saw ‘Cultures in Harmony’.
By Damien Kamholtz
If any one is interested in participating in a residency with Sanggar Perchantingan, more information can contact Adi Jumaadi - jumaadi@hotmail.com
Bali Cultural Community to Hold First Arts Biennale
In an apparent move to put Bali in the front lines of the world's contemporary arts scene, a group of Balinese scholars, artists and writers have pooled their resources to organize the island's first fine arts biennale.
The idea to organize a biennale first circulated five years ago among the island's most influential cultural thinkers, such as the late I Nyoman Tusan, Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem, Pande Suteja Neka, Agung Rai, Wayan Sika, Made Wianta, Putu Wirata Dwikora and Hartanto. Finally, a firm commitment to realize the idea was reached during a meeting on September 2004 in Ubud.
The biennale, it was agreed, would be focused on the central theme of Space and Scape. Spatial awareness has always been an important element of Balinese Hindu teaching; therefore, it has also influenced the island's arts and culture to a large degree.
"Space can be interpreted as place, cycle or mandala, with Scape as dimension,
panorama or outlook. In this context, the biennale's mission is to provide a
space, where spirit of innovation and transformation, creative energy and aesthetic
reformation can work together and give birth to new, avant garde maestros and
masterpieces," biennale organizing committee chairman Prof. Dr.
I Made Bandem said on Monday.
The biennale will comprise two main events, the pre-Summit and the Summit. The pre-Summit will take place from January until October 2005 while the Summit will be held from November to December 2005.
"The pre-Summit will be in the form of various constructive, critical events aimed at conceptually enriching the biennale and warming up the public for the upcoming Summit," Bandem noted.
The Summit will comprise of two major events, the exhibition and competition. The historiography-based exhibition will showcase the works of various painters and sculptors, who have played critical roles in the development of contemporary arts in Bali.
The exhibition will provide the public with a historical cultural map on the influences given and received by the island.
Meanwhile, the competition will be used to nominate and select 10 recipients of the Bali Biennale Art Awards.
"It (the competition) is a medium through which the biennale will stimulate the creation of art works that are distinguished by their originality -- in theme and techniques, novelty and avant garde qualities. The art works should also reflect the personal mastery of the creators," Bandem said.
The selection and nomination process for the exhibition and competition will
be conducted by a board of curators. The members of this board are Kompas's
Bentara Budaya curator Ipong Purnama Sidhi, founder of the Agung Rai Museum
of Arts (ARMA) Agung Rai, Yogyakarta-based art critic Suwarno Wisetrotomo, acclaimed
sculptor Nyoman Nuarta, anthropologist Jean Couteau, Bali-based
art critic Putu Wirata Dwikora and accomplished painter I Wayan Sika.
"As you can see, the board of curators' memberships reflect the biennale's respect for cultural openness and diversity," Bandem said.
The biennale is expected to be the largest contemporary arts gathering in the island's history, involving numerous accomplished painters and sculptors and various arts institutions in the island. At least 10 major museums and galleries have expressed their support for the biennale, including the Bentara Budaya, Danes Art Veranda, Darga Gallery, Komaneka Gallery, ARMA, Neka Museum, Puri Lukisan Museum and Gunarsa Museum.
Currently, the organizing committee is finalizing a sponsorship agreement, which will secure the Rp 1.2 billion in funding they need to run the event, with large-scale manufacturer Astra International.
"Bali and Indonesia have a lot of painters and sculptors who have won international recognition and who frequently exhibit their works abroad.
Unfortunately, most western art critics still view their works as exotic, or ethnic, pieces of art - not as contemporary or modern works of arts," accomplished painter I Wayan Sika said.
The biennale was an opportunity for the country's painters and sculptors to show the world that their works were a lot more than just a mere display of exoticism and ethnicity, Sika said.
I Wayan Juniartha,
The Jakarta Post, Sanur
Swara Bendhe out now !
The latest edition of Swara Bendhe magazine is out now. This issue includes the amazing Woodford Folk Fest and the Gathering of the Gamelans, a profile of Assoc. Prof Cathy Falk (Ethnomusicology/University of Melbourne), Talempong music from West Sumatra, Melbourne 4 Aceh concert, Review of 'Dancing out of Bali', Gamelan in Darwin, and lots more.
This is a print magazine that covers gamelan and related music in Australia
and New Zealand and first started in September 2003. It also covers visiting
musicians/scholars from overseas (including Indonesia) and sometimes we push
the gamelan idea just a bit further if the coverage seems particularly worthwhile.
The magazine is produced
with a subsidy from Melbourne Community Gamelan and we are very fortunate this
year to receive a grant from the AII for a promotional drive and to gain further
sponsorship. This magazine compliments the on-line Inspirasi magazine but does
not cover other related arts from Indonesia. Its original aim was to unite all
gamelans across Australia and NZ. We are still uniting - Darwin having just
found its way into our pages - other gamelans still yet to hear about us. We
also cover other traditional/traditionally inspired Indonesian music wherever
possible. If you can pass this message on to other people who might be interested
and include the subscription form - that would be wonderful.
Our webpage will be updated with info on this latest issue shortly. http://home.vic.net.au/~gamelan
Thank you.
Linda Hibbs - lhibbs@ihug.com.au
Editor, Designer, Swara Bendhe magazine
Performer Applications for Woodford Folk Festival
The Woodford Folk Festival performer’s application form is now on the web. The form is to be completed and submitted via the internet by the closing date of May 31 2005. Allow about 20-30 minutes to fill in the application form. To make the process easier, first print it out and write the application, then type it into the internet form. Festival dates are 27 Dec 2005 - 1 Jan 2006. Go to www.woodfordfolkfestival.com