Briefer FKY for 2011

Nasirun and Bondan Nusantara on a Gethek (Bamboo Raft) in Bedog River (Photo: Trasmara)

30 Maret 2011

Bantul, Jogjatrip.com – Yogyakarta Art Festival (FKY) 2011 will have a different format than the previous ones in terms of the length and the icon. Normally held for one whole month, FKY is going to be no more than 11 days this year, from June 25th – July 5th, presenting Nasirun and Bondan Nusantara as icons. The two artists have been known for their excellence in traditional and fine arts. “This is the last FKY organized by Yogyakarta Tourism Service. Starting from next year FKY will be run by a private body,” said Timbul Raharjo, General Chairman of FKY Committee in a press conference at Kasongan, Tuesday (3/29).

Timbul Raharjo who was accompanied by Kristiadi (Chairman II) and Ryan Budi Nuryanto (Chairman III) said that the theme of the 23rd FKY was “Kreativitas di Antara Gunung dan Samodra" (“Creativity between a Volcano and an Ocean”). This refers to Yogyakarta, which sits between Mount Merapi and Indian Ocean, as a place in which arts should be cultivated.

The opening ceremony is planned to take place at Alun-Alun Utara Yogyakarta and centered on Vredeburg Fort, which hosts the FKY’s Art Market. “The Art Market will be very different this time. [The art works will be] displayed on interesting booths that will have traditional handicrafts like batik clothes, kriss, and puppets,” said Timbul Raharjo.

As for the art exhibitions, there will be traditional, theatrical, literary, musical, and children performances. “We are involving lots of communities that hopefully the people can really feel the FKY,” said Kristiadi. The shows will try to educate people and get students and traditional art groups engaged. That way the new generation of Jogjanese is expected to be more and more creative.

The event, which both domestic and foreign tourists have found interesting, is to be held in the same time as the school break. “The timing of FKY in June could not be better as it is when students enjoy holidays,” said Eni Lestari Rahayu from Art Division of Yogyakarta Cultural Service.

Bondan Nusantara and Nasirun, when asked why they would be FKY icons, said that they wanted Jogjanese to express themselves through arts. Their involvement in this event is a moral support for the arts of Yogyakarta. “No festival in other cities like this one in Jogja. FKY can be a well-established cultural education," said Nasirun.

As icons of the event, Nasirun and Bondan Nusantara were photographed on a bamboo raft in Bedog River that day. Their photos and some from Timbul Keramik will be used for promotion.***(Teguh R. Asmara)