Bali Travel News

The Bali Arts Festival (BAF) organized every year at Art Center Denpasar does not only become thepoide of the Balinese community, but also develops into a world cultural festival. Its evidence, every organization of the festival, many foreign art troupes ordinarily participate. Last year, there were 15 art troupes, while in the 31st BAF held from 13 June-11 July 2009, there will be 8 foreign art troupes and 11 art troupes from outside Bali taking part.

Eight foreign art troupes comprise the Soei TV Production of Japan, Basundari Japan, Ted Tsung Te Tsai PhD from Taiwan, Indian Cultural Center Bali, College of The Holy Cross Department of Theater America, Mexican Students at ISI Denpasar, Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University Songkla Thailand and Terang Bulan Art Troupe of Japan.

Meanwhile, the 12 art troupes from outside Bali consist of the Payon Percussion Jakarta, West Sumatra Office of Youth, Cultural & Sport Services, East Java Office of Cultural and Tourism Services, West Java Mayor, Panecwara Dance Group, The Amazing Bedaya-Legong Calonarang, Head of Bangka Belitung Stage at TMII Jakarta, East Lampung Office of Cultural and Tourism Service, Bali Wira Kencana Dance Studio of Jakarta, Saraswati Dance Studio of Jakarta, Yogyakarta Office of Cultural and Tourism Service and West Sumatra Office of Cultural and Tourism Service.

I Made Santha, the Head of Bali Arts Subdivision Head, Bali Office of Cultural Services said that the reason of participation of foreign troupes was very simple namely to jazz up the arts festival. However, some participants consider the BAF as a prestigious art event. “It is a special pride for foreigners to make a presentation at this extravagant art event,” he said.

Participation of foreign art troupes in the BAF, Santha added, was very useful especially in the field of education and economy for Balinese community and Indonesian in general. The presentation of foreign artists can unveil new ideas to develop the art itself. In addition, in terms of economic aspect, it will enable the transaction, both of local, national or international. “At least, it will enable the communication for years to come,” he said again.

(BTN/budarsana)