Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As we are being confronted with uncharted circumstances related to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we would like to convey our heartfelt thoughts to the many people who have been affected. We write in recognition of the profound social economic impact this will have across the globe, and in solidarity with our colleagues in the arts and cultural sector who are at the brink of the impending.
‘Living in uncertainty’ for the Indonesian arts and cultural sector is not uncommon, however it has suddenly elevated to an advanced degree. Yet at the wake of probable dire conditions in the arts, we urge artists and cultural practitioners to augment their creative spirit and practice by exploring new possibilities that strengthen relevancy, enhance arts outreach, and empower society at this crucial time.
At Padepokan Seni Bagong Kussudiardja (PSBK), we are committed to protecting the health and safety of the greater public by complying to social distancing conduct and will offer alternative on-line access to our arts engagement programs. We are also committed to support the creative processes of artists who need access to our facilities by safeguarding health and safety measures at PSBK, and we are attentive in following latest updates offered by official information sources.
We are extremely grateful to our dedicated staff and partners who continue to work vigorously in both future planning and developing alternative access streams. As other cultural organizations around the world have successfully provided access through Information Technology, it’s now pertinent for Indonesian cultural organizations to also prepare the proper infrastructure in order to ensure connectivity.
To all our fellow constituents in the arts and culture (leaders, advocates, supporters, patrons, government agencies); our roles and partnerships to mutually strengthen our capacities in serving humanity through the arts, are now more imperative than ever before. Not only in producing important art that will benefit from the outburst of engagements after a period of social distancing; but a culture that enables society to protect the health and safety of others with compassion, and to build a sustainable future.
As the world immerse themselves in a compulsory stillness, this becomes a unique moment to reflect on our blessings and be sensitive in confronting the challenges ahead of us. Wishing you all the best and good health during this time of uncertainty.
Future updates will be made available through our social media accounts and website.
Most sincerely,
Jeannie Park
Executive Director
Bagong Kussudiardja Foundation
