Dekat-Dekat Jauh (So Close Yet So Far): A Conversation Series

Dekat Dekat Jauh Header designed by Adinda Yuwono

Asialink Arts and Santy Saptari Art Consulting present Dekat-Dekat Jauh (So Close Yet So Far), a conversation series about Indonesia-Australia relations in visual arts. Through the lens of visual arts the program aimed to ask, ‘what can the arts do to build understanding and trust between nations?’

Leading artists, representatives from public and private Australian and Indonesian art institutions, art collectors and gallerists explored how deeper connections and opportunities might be fostered.

1. Artists Insights: Exhibit, Exchange, Co-Create

The first conversation brought together prominent Indonesian and Australian artists to share their respective experiences in Indonesia and Australia – exploring the professional, social and cultural contexts. The session touched on the value of artistic exchange and residency programs, as well as the experience as a member of a diaspora community, exploring notions of identity and using various cultural references as a form of expression.

Caitlin Hughes recaps the first session dedicated to artists’ insights – and reflects on the conversation’s key themes of accessibility, place, and opportunity. Read Here.

Peripheries, encounters, and entry points:

Artists share perspectives on cross-cultural experiences in Australia and Indonesia.

Speakers: Abdul-Rahman AbdullahFebie Babyrose (Tromarama), Jumaadi, and Tintin Wulia.
Moderated by Bala Starr – Director, La Trobe Art Institute.

2. Scaffolding the Indonesian and Australian Visual Arts Sectors: The Role of Institutions and The Structure of Advocacy

The second conversation invited speakers who are involved in advocacy, governance and delivery of institutional programs that support cross-cultural understanding. They discussed how, in their respective positions, they are advocating for increased support including policy change, development of strategic partnerships, the role of education and the importance of engaging the public.

Caitlin Hughes recaps the second session and asks how we can foster more inclusive and dynamic ways of working in the arts. Read Here.

Speakers: Kate Ryan, Marcus Schutenko, Sally Smart, and Farah Wardani.
Moderated by Pippa Dickson – Director, Asialink Arts; and Santy Saptari – Principal Consultant, Santy Saptari Art Consulting.

3. Private Platforms and The Art Market: Collecting, Connecting and Commissioning

The third conversation explored the critical role of private collectors and commercial organisations in promoting exchange and collaboration between Indonesia and Australia. The discussion unpicked the motivations, incentives and experiences of operating in this commercial context including the value of relationships with artists and difference between making public and keeping private.

Caitlin Hughes recaps the third session and asks what are the motivations that underpin the private arts sectors in Australia and Indonesia, how are they similar and different, and how are key players using their platforms to promote advocacy, exchange, and connections? Read Here.

Speakers: Konfir Kabo, Margaret Moore, Erastus Radjimin, and Tom Tandio.
Moderated by Pippa Dickson – Director, Asialink Arts; and Santy Saptari – Principal Consultant, Santy Saptari Art Consulting.

4. Relationship Building: New Ways Forward in The Visual Arts Sectors of Indonesia and Australia

The last conversation discussed the recent trajectory in the Indonesian and Australian arts and cultural relationship and imagined future strategies and actions to strengthen ties and enhance mutual understanding.

Caitlin Hughes recaps the final session and asks what role can the arts, the media, and education fields play in developing closer links between Indonesia and Australia? How can we find new ways to tell stories about each other? And what could the relationship look like as we find new ways forward? Read Here.

Speakers: Penny Burtt, Hikmat Darmawan, Elena WilliamsChloé Wolifson, and Taufiqurrahman.
Moderated by Pippa Dickson – Director, Asialink Arts; and Santy Saptari – Principal Consultant, Santy Saptari Art Consulting.


Dekat-Dekat Jauh (So Close Yet So Far) has been supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments and by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, and the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

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