Bali survival kit for artist, Ten things you will survive on Bali Island as artist

Bali is one of the islands in Indonesia. It famously known as an island of God, but it also a treasure for artists to explore cultures and arts to enrich their creativity. A lot of foreign artists taking a holiday and research at the same time. Or a lot of international artists planning to create something and do not have any clues what is best to apply on the Island of God. Before finally you touch down the Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali and applying sunblock each day all over your body. Ten things should be considered as your Bali survival kit, Especially for performing art artists.   

One: create an artist workshop

Create an artist workshop with interest subject and invites artists in the island to join. This activity will broaden your network, both traditional and modern artists. Check several hot spots such as Sanggar Paripurna in the Gianyar area, Desa Seni in the Canggu area and Visesa in the Ubud area. 

Exe. Dance workshop/music workshop / acting workshop that meets the traditional and contemporary elements at the final result.

T20: create behind the scene workshop

Create behind the scene workshop with interest subject and invites behind the scene people on the island to join. This will benefit you to get to know more about the working culture of the isle. Denpasar and Nusa dua are the districts where local production squads based.   And it is best to create something nearby these districts since typically production person always has tight schedules. 

Exe. Workshop that meets the producer (theater venue management/owner) and the show management team. At the final result, the participants could get the best solution for the problems that ever occurred in producing the play on the island.

THR33: create small showcase

After you know some artists on the island. You can start to organize small play/showcase. The two previous workshops that had been created could be the best resources to implement on the real stage. It depends on how much you can charge for entry, just to cover the production cost. Do not think about the profit, because it is not your priority.   If you can charge for admission, make sure it just to cover the production cost. The small yet adorable spots are ISI Denpasar function hall in Denpasar area, Rumah Sanur in Sanur area, titik temu in petitenget and deus ex-machina in Canggu area or warehouse 82 in Kerobokan area. There are two recommended spot for open space, the peninsula island in Nusa dua complex or Three mountain eco-lodge in Kura Kura Bali serangan island. I was having fun with the area and create beautiful pieces in Peninsula Island and Three Mountain. For you, my advice is the final choice will really depend on your piece and the crowd you want to create. 

FOU4: open tutorial class

After you prove you are an expert in the field by creating a showcase, then you can start to become a tutorial for the domain that you are expert in. The previous spots mentioned previously could be the choices, Rumah Sanur and Desa Seni.

Any kind of format could be applied as examples : 

-one on one class

-freelance tutor at art university (ISI / Institut Seni Indonesia)

-freelance tutor at public school

Fiv5: Theater for 9-5 people

Open a full day theater workshop for 9 to 5 people.

It should go without saying that many essential skills aspiring from theater live that could be adopted in business industries. It teaches a variety of skills such as "confidence, public speaking, teamwork, poise, conversation, and understanding point of view.

while doing a dance workshop, Gianyar, Bali

6IX: part-time artist

Offering your abilities to existing show/play on the island. There are several regular shows in Bali. The very famous one is "Bali Agung" played at Bali Safari Theater, and "Devdan" played at Nusa Dua Theater.

7EVEN: Work as a fellowship  

Write to the groups, communities, studios, theaters, or even organizers whose work you admire. Tell honestly that you are willing to take a lesson to learn from their business and scene methods. 

8IGHT: Work in the venue itself

Any job will do. It depends on your ability and your desire curiosity to explore more. For example, if you dream of being a theatre director, then you should understand how every other department in the theatre works. And it is not a waste of time if you decide to get a role in one of the departments in theatre. Named it, the wardrobe department or production department. Or even a solo position as a dramaturg, a box-office clerk, usher - will give you new knowledge. The more you know, the better you will be at the directing game.

NIN9: Make a blog / short journal

Promote your journey by making a blog or write a short memoir. The printed version of your short journal could be published indie and sell it in the local cafe, hub, or art venue on the island. Try to make a connection with Ganesha book shop in Ubud, earth cafe and market in Seminyak and Ubud.

10: Make a vlog

Promote your activities on the island by making a vlog and post it regularly on your social media accounts. 

So see you in BALI

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