The 36th Bali Arts Festival Opens To The Public

This year, the festival carries the theme “Kertamasa: Dynamics of the Agricultural Society Towards Universal Happiness”, its philosophy is taken from historical factors, inspiration of folk arts, momentums, esthetics, and everything else that have formed the Balinese art as it is today. The theme will be illustrated in the various parades and processions, exhibitions, competitions, seminars, and documentations. This year, the Bali Arts Festival feature no less than 320 shows involving over 15,000 arts students, artists and artisans, communities, and other participants from all over Bali and beyond. After the elaborate parade on June 13, a formal Grand Opening ceremony was held that same evening at the Artha Candra Open Stage.

Arts and culture had united the people and brought peace to the world, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said during his opening remarks for the 36th Bali Arts Festival (PKB) at the Ardha Chandra open stage at the Bali Arts Center in Denpasar on Friday evening.

“This is the last time I will open the festival. But, I will always return to Bali,” the President said before the audience of thousands.

The President, who also attended the afternoon parade in Renon, went on to say that art and culture were soft powers that had universal values and could unite people, regardless of their backgrounds.

“Art connects people, while politics may divide us all,” the President commented.

During the lavish opening ceremony, Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika presented the island’s highest cultural award, the Ista Budaya Nugraha Mahotama, to the president for his contribution to the arts.

The award was an 18th century kris dagger.

“The Balinese humbly present the award to President Yudhoyono,” the governor said.

Picture courtesy of Tribunenew
Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika presented the island’s highest cultural award, the Ista Budaya Nugraha Mahotama, to the president for his contribution to the arts.

The award was an 18th century kris dagger.

In the afternoon, thousands of dancers, musicians and performers took part in a spectacular cultural parade marking the opening of the arts festival at the Bajrasandhi Monument in Renon.

Kasih sayang diciptakan utk manusia agar kita tidak lalai, tidak ceroboh, dan betul-betul memelihara alam semesta. pic.twitter.com/e7bCjKhfio
— S. B. Yudhoyono (@SBYudhoyono) June 15, 2014

Sitting on a stage, President Yudhoyono and his wife, First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, together with his entourage and scores of high-ranking officials, diplomats and distinguished guests, waved happily as they greeted the participants.

Clad in traditional Balinese apparel, Yudhoyono looked in buoyant mood, despite this being the last PKB he would open as President.

Education and Culture Minister Mohammad Nuh, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, as well as Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Jero Wacik, were seen among the guests.

Meanwhile, thousands of local residents and tourists patiently stood along the streets, which were closed to make way for the long procession.

Groups of students and lecturers from the Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI) Denpasar, who performed a vibrant Balinese percussion ensemble, opened the parade.

Bearing the theme, “Kertamasa, a revival of the life of agrarian society”, the festival is one of the most popular art events for local residents and visitors to Bali.

The cultural parade commenced at the intersection of Jl. Muhammad Yamin-Jl. Raya Puputan and marched through a 500-meter route to Jl. Raya Puputan Renon.

Bajra Sandhi Monument , Renon, Denpasar.

Bajra Sandhi Monument is a monument to admire Balinese people struggle from time to time. The monument is located across the street from the Bali Governor's Office in Renon, Denpasar, Bali.

Hundreds of dancers performed the Ciwa Nata Raja dance, also performed by ISI students, while hundreds of military personnel from Udayana Military Command performed the Gotong Royong dance, delivering messages of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

Eight regencies and Denpasar city displayed their unique art and culture during the parade, which included youths wearing traditional clothes, gebogan (extravagant offerings), decorative cars and others.

More than 3,000 artists performed during the parade, including an Indian dance performed by participants from the Indian Cultural Center. Traditional art and cultural shows from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) were also featured.

President SBY accompanied by the First Lady Ani @ the opening of Bali Arts Festival 36 Bajra Sandhi Monument Bali. pic.twitter.com/s9GmQivtsF"
— James Rudyanto (@translatorbali) June 15, 2014

“The art parade displays the richness of Balinese agricultural society and the richness of Indonesian culture,” Pastika said.

Pastika said all performances at the festival would show that the richness and uniqueness of Balinese culture had been well-preserved.

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony in the afternoon at the arts center in Denpasar featured a performance taken from the Ramayana epic, performed by students and lecturers from Denpasar’s ISI.

The Balinese dance — Bali Dwipa Jaya — initiated by Pastika, was also staged during the opening ceremony.

The 36th PKB will run until July 12. For one month, people can enjoy artistic performances including dance, theater, music and art exhibitions — held on seven stages in the Art Center compound.

Delegations from other provinces will also participate in the festival along with representatives from eight countries, including the US, India and the Netherlands.

Bali Arts Festival schedule

Saturday, June 14

11 a.m.: Art performance by representatives of the Central Kalimantan Cultural Agency at the Angsoka stage, Bali Arts Center, Jalan Nusa Indah, Denpasar.

8 p.m.: Song and dance performance by the Udayana Regional Military Command at Ardha Candra open stage, Bali Arts Center.

Sunday, June 15

11 a.m.: The Topeng Panca parade performance by artists from Marga, Tabanan regency, at the Ratna Kanda stage.

11 a.m.: Art performance by artists from East Nusa Tenggara at the Ayodya stage.

2 p.m.: Art performance by representatives of the Bantul Tourism Agency, Yogyakarta, at the Angsoka stage.

5 p.m.: Ngelawang Barong dance performance by artists from Buleleng and Tabanan regencies, at the Ksirarnawa open stage.

8 p.m.: Art performance by artists from Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, at the Angsoka stage.

8 p.m.: Drama and gong performance by Sekaa Dharma Laksana, Banjar Sumuh and Dauh Puri Kauh, at the Ayodya stage.

8 p.m.: Children’s shadow puppet competition with puppeteer Made Tangkas from Badung regency, at the Wantilan stage.

Note: On Sunday, June 15, there are two events listed at 11 a.m.
Also, location information appears incomplete for many of the listings.

Through its 36 years history, the Bali Arts Festival has been a media to rediscover and preserve the unique and celebrated arts and culture of Bali, at the same time increase its people’s welfare. Through this special annual event, it is hoped that the true authentic wisdom and philosophy of the people of Bali will not only be preserved but will also grow and spread to other parts of the world.

: http://7wonders-tour.com/

http://www.baliculturegov.com/