Jogja Gallery Announces Art Contest: Yogyakarta, Central Java

I often refer to Yogyakarta as the cultural centre of Indonesia, and, although a lot of people [not many] disagree with me, it is a city of the arts with numerous galleries and museums as well as regular exhibitions.

There is always something happening in Yogyakarta for the culturally-minded. One of my favourite galleries in the city, Jogja Gallery, has announced an art contest to held from April 20 through May 9, 2007. Considering UNESCO is invoved with this competition in some manner then it will not be one to be missed and if you are in Yogyakarta, then get on down there!.

Yogyakarta can be reached by a one-hour flight from Bali. Most of the domestic airlines such as Garuda, Merpati and Lion Air fly this route. Better still, while you are in the city, spend a few days and take a trip or two to see the wonders of Borobudur, Prambanan and the Sultan’s Palace.

Here are the details of the contest as Sri Wahyuni explains:

In cooperation with the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Jakarta, Gadjah Mada University and PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan dan Ratu Boko, Jogja Gallery has announced its Visual Art Competition 2007.

Using world heritage site Borobudur Temple as the theme, the competition is open to the public, regardless of age. The initiative is part of a large exhibition entitled The Thousand Mysteries of Borobudur, to be held at the gallery from April 20 through May 9, 2007.

A release made available states that the competition is not limited by a particular ideology, but is more an exploration of an artist’s criticism through their artwork regarding the existence of Borobudur.

Similarly, submissions are also not limited to any particular form of art. Participants are free to send both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works such as sculptures, paintings, graphic works, ceramics, photographs, batik and installation art.

Twenty finalists will be selected for the short list, from which the five best works will be chosen as winners. These five winning artists will each receive a cash prize of Rp 3 million and a certificate from UNESCO.

Each participant should submit photographs and the titles of two works, which will be assessed by a team of jurors.

Details on the competition can be obtained at:

Jogja Gallery,
Jl. Pekapalan 7,
Alun-Alun Utara,
Yogyakarta
phone: (0274) 419999
www.jogja-gallery.com.
— JP/Sri Wahyuni