Jakarta, September 11, 2026 – The Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf) promotes greater access for Indonesian creative economy players to international networks through Art & Bali 2026, held from September 11–13, 2026, at Nuanu Creative City, Tabanan, Bali. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, opened the series of events, which brought together artists, designers, industry players, and communities from Indonesia and abroad.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, delivers remarks at the opening of Art & Bali 2026 at Nuanu Creative City, Tabanan, Bali, Friday (11/09/2026).
“Indonesia has extraordinary creativity, but it is not enough for it to remain in Indonesia. We need international platforms like this because art is something that brings people together,” said Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene at the opening of Art & Bali 2026 at Nuanu Creative City, Tabanan, Bali, Friday (11/9).
Carrying the theme Bridging Dichotomies, Art & Bali 2026 serves as a cross-disciplinary platform presenting contemporary art through exhibitions, installations, discussions, workshops, performances, and an art market. The event provides space for the exchange of ideas while bringing together practices and perspectives from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
One of the main programs, What The Body Remembers, brings together artists, designers, and makers from Indonesia and India through explorations of textiles, materials, techniques, identity, and memory. The exhibition is curated by Bandana Tewari as Lead Curator, with Brina Paska as Assistant Curator, and demonstrates how art, fashion, design, and crafts can interact while retaining their respective character and cultural roots.
“First, we need to be more confident and acknowledge that what we have is something valuable that we can offer to the world. Second, it is not only about creating, but also thinking about how the work can be further developed,” explained Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene during the Nuanu Future Talks session.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
As part of the event series, Deputy Minister of Creative Economy Irene also spoke at the Nuanu Future Talks session titled Where Are Next Creative Capitals?, alongside Co-founder of Jia CURATED Budiman Ong and CEO of Nuanu Creative City Lev Kroll, with Founding Director of Art & Bali Kelsang Dolma serving as moderator. The discussion explored the role of ecosystems, cross-sector collaboration, talent development, and investment in building competitive creative cities.
“We built Art & Bali so that art can be accessed more widely. Not only through galleries, but also by bringing together collectives, organizations, and various parties that have supported artists throughout their journeys,” said Founding Director of Art & Bali Kelsang Dolma. This approach is expected to connect more creators with audiences, partners, and new opportunities that support the sustainability of their practices.
Photo: Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
The Ministry of Creative Economy views Art & Bali 2026 as an opportunity to strengthen the competitiveness of Indonesian talent and intellectual property through engagement with international markets, networks, and perspectives. With Bali’s cultural strengths and appeal as one of Indonesia’s creative hubs, cross-disciplinary forums such as this are expected to expand the visibility of national creative works while creating new economic value across the arts, design, fashion, and crafts sectors.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
