Bali poised to become a major player in the global art world with the upcoming Art & Bali international art fair, blending cultural heritage with contemporary practice.
Bali’s Vibrant Art Scene Takes Center Stage
Bali is poised to become a major player in the global art world with the upcoming ‘Art & Bali’ international art fair.
Bali is a province in southern Indonesia known for its stunning beaches, temples, and vibrant culture.
The island's capital, Denpasar, serves as the administrative center while other major towns include Ubud, Kuta, and Seminyak.
Bali's economy relies heavily on tourism, with attractions like 'Uluwatu Temple', 'Tanah Lot', and 'Mount Batur' drawing millions of visitors each year.
The island is also home to over 4 million people, predominantly Hindu, who celebrate various festivals throughout the year.
The Island’s Cultural Heritage Meets Contemporary Practice
With a population of over 280 million, Indonesia accounts for the lion’s share of Southeast Asia‘s art market. Its collector base is vast, and talent from Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bandung has been making waves in Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, collectors and art enthusiasts are flocking to Bali to experience its thriving art scene.
A Fresh Approach to Art Fairs
Art & Bali is set to debut on September 12 across five venues at Nuanu Creative City, a startup Eden/creative district on the island’s southwest coast. The fair will be rooted in Bali’s cultural heritage while embracing contemporary and innovative practices. Its programming will include gallery presentations, exhibitions, and immersive installations unified by the theme ‘Bridging Dichotomies’.
Bali, an island in Indonesia, has long been a haven for artists and art enthusiasts.
The island's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes have inspired countless works of art throughout history.
From traditional Balinese paintings to modern installations, the island is home to a vibrant arts scene.
Visitors can explore galleries showcasing local artisans' wares, attend festivals celebrating music and dance, or even take classes in traditional crafts like batik-making.
Bali's artistic influence extends beyond its borders, with many international artists drawn to the island's unique energy.
Bridging Dichotomies: Exploring Contrasting Concepts
The fair’s primary programming will take place at the Labyrinth Collective art center, which serves as the nucleus of its programming. The theme ‘Bridging Dichotomies’ explores the areas between contrasting concepts: tradition and modernity, nature and technology, human and machine. This approach reflects the fair’s vision to foster deeper ties between Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Bali’s artistic heritage with the global art scene.
A Marketplace in a Self-Contained Ecosystem
Art & Bali is positioned to make something rare: an international art fair that’s rooted in place. ‘Nuanu Creative City’ is home to various artist residencies, collaboration spaces, and a museum dedicated to Eugene Kangawa‘s work, set to open in 2026. The fair will be a marketplace, but one that exists within a self-contained cultural ecosystem, expanding the art-buying experience.
A Global Art Community
Art & Bali aims to bring together artists, collectors, institutions, and industry leaders to create a truly global art community. According to Kelsang Dolma, the fair’s director, ‘Art & Bali is a fresh approach to what an art fair can be, rooted in Bali’s cultural heritage while embracing contemporary and innovative practices.’
- observer.com | Bali Is Getting an Art Fair
