An Indian-origin arts professional is making waves in Indonesia's cultural scene by launching Bali's first-ever contemporary art fair. Kelsang Dolma, who has spent the last three years immersing herself in Bali's art and cultural landscape, is set to open Art Bali on September 12 at Nuanu Creative City, marking a significant milestone for the island's artistic community.
Dolma brings extensive experience from India's art world, having worked with prestigious institutions including Saffron Art and PHOTOINK gallery in New Delhi, as well as the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa and the Indian Ceramics Triennale. Her decade-long career has equipped her with the expertise needed to bridge Indonesian artists with international audiences. As the founding director of Art Bali, she aims to create what she calls a "natural home" for thoughtful art experiences.
The fair is being held at Nuanu Creative City, which has established itself as a premier lifestyle and wellness destination since opening in 2025. Spanning 44 hectares of eco-conscious property, Nuanu is now expanding its offerings to include the arts sector. The venue features the striking THK Tower, a 30-meter tall landmark structure designed by French architect Arthur Mamou-Mani and crafted using locally-salvaged rattan, symbolizing the fusion of international design with local materials.
Dolma's primary motivation stems from her observation that "Indonesian art is underrepresented internationally." The fair's main objective is to bring Indonesian artists together under one inclusive platform and showcase their work to a global audience. "We want to create a space that not only celebrates local artists, but welcomes seasoned collectors and curators from around the world to appreciate and pay attention," she explained.
While Bali attracted over 6 million international tourists in 2024, Dolma envisions transforming the island into something more than a typical vacation destination. Through Art Bali, she hopes to establish it as a meeting ground for art connoisseurs, collectors, critics, curators, and culturally curious visitors. This ambitious vision represents a shift from Bali's traditional tourism model to one that embraces high-level cultural engagement.
Dolma's recent success with FOTO Bali, an international photography festival that concluded in August, has demonstrated her ability to execute large-scale cultural events. The photography festival featured visual storytellers from 29 countries, including notable Indian photographers Swastik Pal and Zishaan A. Latif. This experience has provided valuable insights and connections that she's now applying to the contemporary art fair.
The timing of Art Bali reflects a broader trend of emerging art scenes in Southeast Asia gaining international recognition. With established art fairs in cities like Hong Kong and Singapore, Bali's entry into this space represents an opportunity to showcase Indonesian contemporary art that has historically been overshadowed by its regional neighbors. Dolma's insider-outsider perspective, gained through her three years of living in Bali while maintaining connections to the international art world, positions her uniquely to facilitate this cultural bridge.
As Art Bali prepares to open its doors, Dolma continues making final preparations for what she hopes will become an annual fixture in the international art fair calendar. Her efforts represent not just the launch of an event, but the beginning of a movement to elevate Indonesian contemporary art on the global stage while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bali.
