“Yogyakarta is known as a city of art, which is reflected in artistic activities in public spaces. We should support this as a space where the local government get to know the city’s artists,” said Astuti Kusumo, member of the Yogyakarta City’s Cultural Council.
The celebration is also a form of appreciation for all elements that support cultural progress in the city. Suwarno Wisetrotomo, art practitioner from the Faculty of Fine Arts of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta emphasized the importance of building the artistic identity of Yogyakarta.
Suwarno said apart from empowering the “resident artists”, there are several issues that need to be mapped out.
“The city has to grow to become ‘smart’ which will make it easier for its citizens to live together. Then the city has to become a ‘bridge’ as well as a ‘melting pot’ for artists from everywhere,” he said.