// The Story //
KupuKupu Art Space was conceived on a supermoon in 2013 after sharing some local wine with artist friends: Hero, who with wife Cleise and friend Fajar ran a small but inspiring art shop in Ubud called Asu Art AttacK. Also present was Pranoto (an art legend
in Ubud) and the amazing Ivan. Asu Art Attack was a dynamic space. Even though the shop was so tiny people from around the world would congregate outside to talk, enjoy music and keep company.
As a newcomer to Bali, I was enthralled by the atmosphere they created with friends and the feeling of having a place for people to come together regardless of whether they bought art or not.
After a few drinks and gazing at the full moon in all its super luminosity, we discussed having a place where artists could exhibit their work and connect over a few drinks and food. Pranoto then suggested that we could make the food 'free for the people'
“How would that work?” Several ideas were tossed around and finally we went our separate ways. Who could guess that the magic of the supermoon would charge this idea into manifesting.
So KupuKupu art space was born. The name KupuKupu is Indonesian for butterfly, a symbol of transformation.
// Our Mission //
By doing things a different way, we hope to be a catalyst for transformation in the lives of the people we connect with through art, music and food...
- Provide opportunities for artists, (particularly Indonesian artists) to have a space to work and exhibit (without having to sell their motorbike to do so)
- Support the aspirations of artists, so they are free to create
- Create a space for people to come together in art and music and build connections that will not only benefit each other but ripple out into the community
- Provide food by donation only, so no one would be turned away with an empty belly
// The Vision//
Continuing the lease on Kupukupu Art Space will allow us to contine to grow and evolve. By extending the lease to the space adjoining it we will be able to run workshops more easily and more frequently to accomodate the needs of the artists.
Over the last 12 months we have supported and connected with many artists who have spent many hours creating, socialising and networking.
Furthermore, many people come to meet artists and other likeminded people for inspiration and creative motivation
We intend to continue supporting these aspirations by
* Sharing this space for creating art and encouraging collaboration
* Providing artists with tools, and support structures to bring their art to manifestation
* Assisting in arranging exhibitions, by providing food and promotion
* Networking artists with the public
* Providing food and drink on a donation only basis
The pledges we are providing will be also used to assist artists by purchasing their art at wholesale price, so we can provide them to you closer to retail price. This creates a win/win for both parties.
One of the projects we ran involved arranging an art exhibition to support the art of the Three Brothers who although all talented artists, were held back from sharing their work with the public in recent years due to financial and practical restraints.
We were able to help them with both aspects and share their work (and in the process become friends)
// The Why //
Many artists in Indonesia are unable to promote their art or make a living from their art, without adequate funds to both create the art and then promote it.
Further, there are many travellers who need a space to connect with other people and particiapte in collaborative projects.
Everyone needs to be fed and nurtured, regardless of their economic status
Therefore we aim to continue to use this space and the adjoining space to
* Support artists with their needs
* Provide a creative environment for artists and the public to connect and collaborate
* Provide food & drinks on a donation basis (with plenty of organic vegetables from our garden)
