I Ketut Marya Art Hall Opens in Tabanan, Championing Balinese Art Preservation
The Art Hall of I Ketut Marya is a major symbol of preserving Bali’s art and culture. Located in Tabanan, it is closely tied to the vast contributions of I Ketut Marya, a Balinese artist celebrated for his mastery of traditional dance and instrumental music. The hall’s name pays tribute to his commitment to promoting and safeguarding Balinese art. It offers a central location where traditional arts thrive and evolve within a supportive environment.
Main Gate of the I Ketut Marya Arts Building (private collection)
I Ketut Marya was born in 1925 and became a leading figure in Balinese dance. As a choreographer and instructor, he passed techniques to new dancers and originated routines that turned into classic emblems of Balinese art. He insisted on preserving genuine traditional forms as Bali underwent cultural shifts, an effort that earned him broad respect. His landmark creations, often performed during temple ceremonies, continue to influence new dance troupes.
Side Gate of the I Ketut Marya Arts Building (private collection)
The Bali government created the Art Hall of I Ketut Marya to honor his legacy. The structure functions as a hub for safeguarding and evolving Balinese cultural arts. It features areas for live performances, teaching spaces for aspiring talent, plus rooms for other creative projects. It stages dance, intricate gamelan ensembles, dramatic shadow puppetry and Balinese theater shows, a display of diverse local expression.
Marker of the I Ketut Marya Arts Building (private collection)
The Art Hall attracts residents and visitors from across Indonesia and abroad, drawing domestic audiences as well as international tourists eager to witness Balinese traditions on stage. Live events invite spectators to gain insight into local customs and the deeper meanings behind each performance. Audiences often return for multiple shows.
Interior of the I Ketut Marya Arts Building (private collection)
Training at the hall focuses on teaching Bali’s youth various traditional art forms and embeds awareness of cultural narratives in each piece. Graduates of these sessions aim to pass traditions forward, ensuring these art forms endure for generations to come.
Sagung Wah statue (private collection)
The Art Hall of I Ketut Marya stands as proof of Bali’s pledge to both protect and expand its traditional arts. It preserves the memory of a masterful artist and offers a venue where local creators and community members can connect with Bali’s deep cultural heritage. Regular events bring the community together, highlighting the hall’s role as a cultural landmark.
