The Bali Arts Festival or Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB) in Indonesian was first held in 1979 and was initiated by Ida Bagus Mantra, who was serving as the Governor of Bali at the time. Initially, PKB lasted for two months, running from June 20 to August 23, 1979.
The original concept behind PKB was to create a platform for artistic appreciation, allowing all artists and the community to participate. This festival was meant to serve as motivation for exploring, preserving, and developing Balinese artistic and cultural values, which are deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy. Furthermore, PKB was expected to facilitate the growth of various forms of art on the island of Bali.
Since then, PKB has become an annual event regularly held in Bali. In addition to being a platform for artists to showcase their best works, PKB has also become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from both Indonesia and abroad. Throughout the festival, various forms of traditional Balinese art—including dance, music, theater, and handicrafts—can be witnessed and enjoyed.
Some of the main activities featured in PKB include:
- Cultural Parade – Showcasing various Balinese dances and artistic performances.
- Art Performances – Featuring traditional and contemporary Balinese dance, music, and theater.
- Gong Kebyar Parade – Displaying the creativity of artists in playing Bali’s traditional gamelan music.
- Workshops and Seminars – Discussions on Balinese arts and culture with scholars and artists.
- Creative Industry Exhibition – Showcasing Balinese artistic works, handicrafts, and premium local products.
The organization of PKB has also positively impacted Bali’s tourism industry. Besides being a spectacular cultural showcase, PKB serves as a platform to introduce and promote the richness of Balinese arts and culture to the wider public. Indirectly, this helps increase tourist visits to Bali, which in turn contributes to the local economy.
For more than 40 years, PKB has become an inseparable part of Bali’s identity and image as a rich and unique cultural tourism destination. PKB is not just a stage for artistic performances but also a platform for strengthening Balinese cultural values amidst the waves of globalization. (BT)
