Jakarta, IO – Performing arts continue to play an important role in the development of Indonesia’s cultural landscape, providing both an artistic space and a platform for artists to reflect and communicate to the public.
Responding to the growing need for sustainable creative spaces, Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation is bringing back Ruang Kreatif Seni Pertunjukan 2026, a comprehensive program designed to strengthen the capacity of performing arts communities across the country.
First launched in 2016 and held regularly until 2019, the program returns this year with a more relevant approach that reflects the current development of the arts industry. More than just supporting the creation of new works, the program also focuses on strengthening artistic management, expanding networks, and improving the professionalism of artists and creative communities.
Program Director of Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation Renitasari Adrian said the Foundation remains committed to building a sustainable performing arts ecosystem in Indonesia. “Ruang Kreatif Seni Pertunjukan 2026 provides a space that encourages quality works and strengthens the foundation of artists, from the creative and managerial process to how their works can connect with audiences in a wider and more structured way,” she said.
The program is open to performing arts communities and studios from across Indonesia that develop works rooted in cultural values and local wisdom, including dance, music, theater, literature and contemporary performances.
The program will kick off with the Bincang Kreatif Seni Pertunjukan roadshow, an event where artists and creative communities can gain insights into creative development while learning more about the program. This year, the roadshow will visit four cities:
- Kupang on May 1, 2026, at Taman Budaya Gerson Poyk featuring Rama Soeprapto and Nuya Susantono
- Banjarmasin on May 7, 2026, at Universitas Lambung Mangkurat, featuring Eko Supriyanto and Chriskevin Adefrid
- Tasikmalaya on May 11, 2026, at Tasik Creative Hub featuring Rama Soeprapto and Sari Madjid
- Lampung on May 13, 2026, at Dewan Kesenian Lampung featuring Hartati and Pradetya Novitri
The program is open to Indonesian citizens aged 18 to 35 representing arts communities with experience in performing arts. Registration runs from April 13 to May 31, 2026.
Participants are required to submit proposals containing background information, synopses, creative concepts, team profiles, portfolios, production timelines, budgets, and community social media links. Each community may submit more than one proposal.
Thirteen selected proposals will receive production funding, workshops, and mentoring sessions from experienced arts practitioners.
The program will go through several stages, starting from the selection of the top 100 and top 25 proposals in June, followed by online workshops, proposal pitching sessions in July, onsite workshops in Jakarta in August, mentoring and production processes from August to November, before finally showcasing the selected works at Galeri Indonesia Kaya between November and December 2026.
Curating will be under the aegis of Keni Soeriaatmadja, Mitae Mita, and Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation. Keni is widely known as a dancer, producer, and curator who actively develops learning spaces for young choreographers through Sasikirana KoreoLAB & Dance Camp. Meanwhile, Mitae has extensive experience as a festival manager, production manager, and stage manager in various arts and cultural events, and also helped establish the Indonesian Performing Arts Industry Workers Association (API).
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The final judging stage will feature renowned filmmaker and cultural figure Garin Nugroho, performing arts practitioner Toto Arto, and representatives from Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation.
According to Keni, the program provides space for artists and nurtures the growth of young creative talents. “Here, their ideas and artistic practices have the opportunity to grow and gain wider recognition, even internationally,” he said. “What makes this program interesting is that it doesn’t only focus on the final result, but also on the learning process, open dialogue, and documentation that enrich the journey of our performing arts scene.”
Bakti Budaya Djarum Foundation expects the program to support innovation and build networks among arts communities across Indonesia. “We hope this program can also help build strong and sustainable working systems. Healthy performing arts can only grow when artists, managers, and audiences grow together,” Renitasari said. (des)