Ubud Cultural Arts Festival
To
commemorate the 100 years of Gong Kebyar, the Community Empowerment
Agency (LPM) of Ubud village organized the Ubud Cultural Arts Festival,
Friday (Nov 7). The event was centered at the Catus Pata or central
intersection of Ubud by showcasing various colossal displays. Thousands
of travelers from various parts of the world seemed enthusiastic to join
the show.Dozens of artists from various genres were also involved in the art extravaganza. Among them, there were Koko Jazz Music Group, Gita Semara Flute Troupe, Balot, Tindak Alit, Cok Savitri, Dayu Ani, Genta Putra Sesana Gamelan Troupe of Ubud Kelod and comedian Cedil. The festival taking place for four days also featured the performances of old artists, performances of new art composition and filled with art discussion.
Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya, was present accompanied by relevant Director General and praised the continuity of the tradition and culture in Ubud. He appreciated the Ubud village which had earned an award from the Conde Nast Traveler magazine as the best tourist destination in Asia (The Best City in Asia) 2013. “Ubud is just like the Spirit of Bali itself, created with love,” he said.
Arief judged the Gong Kebyar was a masterpiece created by a special process and had a magnificent philosophy. With combination of the aesthetics and harmony, the gamelan produced a composition that would fascinate for anyone who witnessed it. “This festival serves as a form of learning to improve creativity,” he added.
Minister of Tourism Arief then emphasized the principle of Academia, Government, Business and Community (AGBC) to maintain the tradition ingrained in the human artists of Ubud and Gianyar in general. “In keeping with the passage of the four elements, the existence of the art and culture can survive,” said the Minister of the Working Cabinet.
The Head of LPM Ubud, Cokorda Raka Sukawati, accompanied by Chairman of the Committee, I Wayan Sudirama, invited all people to re-interpret and understand with depth of Gong Kebyar philosophy itself. The milestone of Gong Kebyar was an age shift in the community against all the complexity of the monarchical feudal systems in the 1800s.
