Bagong Kussudiarja Art House

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4 ( 2 Voter(s) )

A. Overview

The late Bagong Kussudiardja was one of the multi-talented artists and greatest culturalists that Indonesia has ever had. He developed a cultural vision of building Indonesia through arts. He had been consistently active in art and culture since 1950s, before finally setting up a non-formal art educational institution in 1978. The maestro passed away in 2004, bequeathing Indonesia a great spirit of creativity in the form of a padepokan seni or art house.

The place is a house and garden of arts for many artists and art lovers. In this green complex, people of Yogyakarta or from outside the city as well can watch art performances through the events held by the house.

The complex, which occupies a land of 5,000 m², was set up in 1958 and it was where Bagong Kussudiarja practiced dance. Ever since, there have been so many great dancers produced there. As he continuously worked in the world of arts for years, Bagong began thinking of founding a place where anyone can practice arts. Then on October 3^rd 1978, the art house was officially inaugurated. Years later, after Bagong died, a foundation called Yayasan Bagong Kussudiarja (YBK) was established.

B. Features

It is really fun to watch an art performance in the main exhibition hall of the complex, which looks like a Javanese traditional pavilion. There have been countless artists from Indonesia or foreign countries had their shows here. In accordance with Bagong’s idealism, the shows are open for anyone, you are included.

Some of the routine programs held in the art house are:

Jagongan Wagen, which is an art performance and appreciation held for public routinely every month at the YBK House of Culture. Through this program, YBK believes and simultaneously manifests the power of performing arts as a media and room for sharing knowledge, positive energy, and creativity. Jagongan is a Javanese term for the activity of gathering and discussing in a casual yet intimate fashion. As for Wagen, it is a derivation of the word Wage, a day in Javanese calendar, on which the program was first held. However, it should not then be taken as the program being held every Wage because it means more like happening regularly. The most important thing is that it can be held once a month. Aside from gathering, there people watch art shows while chatting warmly with each other. So, there it is. Jagongan Wagen has been a regular event people always wait for.

Muara, which is a program that facilitates the creative art dialog of inter-medium and inter-culture. The Indonesian word Muara means estuary. In this context, it is where artists (art communities) from different disciplines/mediums and/or cultures meet to have a discussion. It does not merely aim at developing the art or discussing about the possibilities of artists making some works together. It is more to enhance the critical minds of theirs as well as broaden their horizon by learning and understanding diversity and development of arts, techniques, methods, and cultural backgrounds of the artists involved.

Among Sedulur, which is a program which uses performing arts as a means to educate people. So, it involves common people living around the artists. Among Sedulur consists of two main activities, namely anjangsana (featuring performing art shows which aim at educating people) and among seni (which is an activity where people can actively take part in artistic works).

C. Location

Bagong Kussudiarja Art House is located at Kembaran Village in Tamantirto Sub-district, Kasihan District, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta.

D. Access

Taking motorcycle or bus, Bagong Kussudiarja Art House is about 20 minutes far to the south of Yogyakarta City, or 2 km to the north of Kasongan Village. The place is at the south side of Southern Ring Road (to Madukismo Sugar Company).

E. Ticket

There is no admission charge to the Bagong Kussudiarja Art House.

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

Located at the bank of Konteng River, Bagong Kussudiarja Art House is surrounded by tranquil and green surrounding with huge trees here and there. Inside the complex, there is a big studio as wide as 12 m x 10.5 m which functions also as the main audience hall. Aside from that, there are arena-shaped studio and another studio which is shaped like pendapa (Javanese traditional pavilion). Each of the studios is multifunctional, being used for many creative works such as rehearsal, discussion, and workshop. There is also an audio digital recording studio, karawitan room, office, toilets, and an accommodative parking lot. The main audience hall is big enough for 500 people. Another facility that supports its function, as a house of culture, is the guesthouse for artists, program participants, or visitors who come over.

Text: Adi Tri Pramono
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Reza Daffi
(Primary data and various sources)

Read : 3652 time(s).

If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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