august 01
Kamandalu Resort (Jl. Tegallalang Bj. Nagi, T: 0361 975 825) is hosting Catus Pata Pengosekan, a collaborative painting exhibition showcasing various authentic Balinese paintings from 60 Balinese artists of Komunitas Seni Pengosekan (the community of Ubud artists) at the resort's exhibition venue - Bale Seni, from today through 10 August 2008. Visitors will discover traditional works of flora and fauna as well as modern paintings.

To mark 50 years of accomplishments, the Museum Puri Lukisan (Jl. Raya Ubud, T: 0361 971 159) is hosting three important exhibitions from July through 12 September. The 'Pitamaha Exhibition' presents an overview of the development of Balinese painting and woodcarvings over the past 100 years. The Leiden exhibition features masterpieces of Balinese art on loan from the Leiden University Museum, collected between 1929 and 1958 by Dutch artist Rudolf Bonnet and Ida Bagus Made plus an exhibition-featuring collections of Ida Bagus Made's personal paintings.

august 02
Bali Golf Course (Sanur, T: 0361 287 733) is staging a mosaic exhibition by Australian Bali-based artist Cherrington Wayne today through September 2nd at the Lobby Clubhouse. The exhibition will display his two years of hard work designing mosaic installations.

'Between Industry and the Earth' is the title of the current solo painting exhibition of Aris Prabawa being held at Sika Gallery (Jl. Raya Campuhan, T: 0361 975 084) starting today until Sunday the 10th. 'Between Industry and the Earth' displays a collection of artwork exploring ecological and environmental issues in Australia and Indonesia.

august 03
Gaya Fusion present a current exhibition 'Reading Objects', display artwork collection of I Wayan Sujana, a Balinese painter who is dominant in painting farm objects such as scarecrows, tongs out of bamboo, or landscaped rice terraces etc. (Jl. Raya Sayan Ubud, T: 0361 979 252).

august 06
The Third Sanur Village Festival begins today and concludes August 10th. This event will maintain its focus on the area surrounding the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel on Jalan Pantai Segara. Several events such as coral reef preservation, fun bikes, and other highlights will feature in this year's event schedule with green being the theme to draw attention to the plight of the global environment . (Sanur, T: 0361 286 987, 288 511)

august 08
Nikko Bali (Nusa Dua, T: 0361 773 377) presents the living legend Mrs. Ni Ketut Arini, one of the most famous dancers, teachers and an active participant in the evolution of Balinese arts. The event is part of The Nikko Bali Culture Appreciation Night – a social evening of exclusive dining and entertainment not to be missed. Mrs. Ni Ketut Arini will perform also on 15, 22, and 29 August.

Care for tee? Register now at the 4th annual Sanur Amateur Open Golf Tournament in conjunction with Sanur Village Festival at Bali Beach Golf Course (Sanur, T: 0361 287 733), starting today and continuing until August 9th. Open to everyone.

august 10
10 August Celebrating their golden anniversary the Government of Bali Province proudly presents a special event entitled 'Sun Fun Run for Unity' on Sunday 10 August 2008. It will take place at Bajra Sandhi Monument (Niti Mandala Renon, T: 0361 235 200).

august 14
In collaboration with Tiempo Gallery and The House of Masks, Jenggala (Jl. Uluwatu, Jimbaran, T: 0361 703 311) has gathered an exhibition of antique masks from all over Indonesia in hopes of reviving appreciation for the country's extraordinary heritage. The exhibition is running from today to Sept 19.

august 15
Jemme Jewellery open their exciting new boutique on Jalan Raya Seminyak this month, in time for the party season. Like the flagship store on Jalan Raya Petitenget, Jemme Seminyak will offer an eclectic selection of exquisite jewels. (Seminyak, T: 0361 733 508)

august 17
Today 'Indonesia Raya' the national totem for Indonesia will be widely heard on the island as Bali and the Republic of Indonesia celebrates the 73rd year of Independence.

august 18
Ganesha Gallery (Four Season Jimbaran Resort, T: 0361 701 010) presents 'Footrpints in Two Worlds' by Suratmin Bagus Priyo, the Central Javanese artist who startles and delights his audience with three distinctly different groups of 33 drawings and paintings comparing many facets of post modern Indonesian culture . From today through 18 September.

august 20
Galungan holiday celebrates the commemoration of the victory of Dharma (virtue) upon Adharma (evil) derived from the mythology 'Mayadewa' the demon king. Expect to see hundreds of tall bamboo-poles decorated with coconut leaves, flowers, fruit, cakes and other offerings at every house entrance symbolizing prosperity.

august 23
Today marks the Bali Governor's Cup, a golf charity event held today until tomorrow at Bali Beach Golf Course and New Kuta Golf (Sanur, T: 0361 287 733). The organizer believes this event will help strengthen Bali 's tourism image as a world class golfing destination. Open event for all abilities.

august 24
Bali Fashion Week is an annual trade event held by Moda Bali Foundation that combines fashion, art and culture. The event is held annually in Bali to support the growth of the tourism industry while providing a convenient stage for the participants (domestic & international) to become inspired by the ever flowing creations seen in Bali. This event will be held until 28 August. (Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, T: 751 067)

august 25
Heart Gallery (Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, T: 0361 708 897) is launching their latest exhibition 'The Shoes of Salvation' by eleven Bali and Yogyakarta based artists held from today through September 9th. These artists try to see other functions of shoes, not only as being a capitalistic fashion icon but also as a post modern symbol of our times.

august 26
Biasa Art Gallery (Jl. Raya Seminyak, T: 0361 744 2902) is staging a collaborative painting exhibition of Farhan Siki, Samuel Indratman, and Arja Pandjalu. 'Open Daily' commences today through September 20th. and celebrates the reunion of three of Yogyakarta's artists once known as 'Apotik Komik' (literally translating to 'comic drugstore').

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Island News - Goings on

 

a clean start
Realising that now is the time to act, Reef Check Foundation Indonesia and Coca Cola Company held their inaugural Cleanup Day event on July 13-14 at Legian Beach Kuta and Mertasari Beach Sanur. With local support from the community and a battalion of volunteers the crew took to the beaches to clean up the image of Bali in time for the peak season visitor arrivals. Regular clean ups will be held throughout 2008 until December and the programme aims to educate and inspire the younger generation of Balinese to protect their natural resources. More information on how to be involved in the clean ups and other activities can be found at www.reefcheck.org or telephone 0361 285 297.

 

taal
Taal (Jl Dewi Sita, T: 0361 780 6087) has recently thrown open its doors in Ubud with a new concept store featuring an eclectic mix of fashion and lifestyle. Uber unique for Ubud, Taal is set to attract not just the discerning traveler, but locals alike with a selection of luxury clothing, home wares and authentic Balinese inspired design pieces.

 

chinn chinn
Bobby Chinn, chef, restaurateur, traveler and a dynamic host of 'World Café Asia' that airs on Discovery Travel & Living channel made an exclusive appearance at the Intercontinental Resort (Jimbaran, T: 0361 701 888) in conjunction with an inspiring five day culinary promotion at Bella Singaraja. Bobby was in Bali late July to promote his recently released cookbook entitled 'Wild, Wild East Recipes & Stories from Vietnam'. Expect to see more celebrity faces from the world of fine dining on the island in the near future.

 

superstylin'
You can't learn to surf Uluwatu in a two week vacation so aqua thrill-fiends need to look elsewhere and Waterbom (Jl Kartika Plaza, T: 0361 755 676) provides an even greater adrenalin fix this summer with their newest slide – The Superbowl. Starting with a thrilling drop through the Aqua Tube, riders are then launched into The Superbowl with centrifugal forces keeping you high on the wall for several turns ending in an exciting transition into a splashdown pool.

 

the french connection
Congratulations to Putu Anggara from Nusa Lembongan who recently won the Quiksilver King of the Groms final at Kuta Beach and has earned himself an all-expense paid trip to Hossegor France to compete in the World King of the Groms final in September of this year. Up on the podium, the elated Putu said, "I'm so happy to win today, and now I will get to go to France and I want to win there too. Thanks to Quiksilver, the judges, the ISC and Coca-Cola, and all the sponsors. It feels so good to win!" The aim of the ISC is to promote up and coming Indonesian talent on the global circuit and this win for Putu is another major success for Indonesian surfing.

 

the write stuff
Tri Hita Karana: God, Humanity and Nature is the theme of the Fifth International Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (14 October – 19 October 2008). Invited international guests include acclaimed Indian author Vikram Seth, US writer John Berendt, Arabic Booker prize winner Bahaa Taher, Mexican author Alberto Ruy-Sanchez, Australians Alexis Wright, Steven Carroll and Father Frank Brennan, 2007 Man Booker Prize short-listed writer Indra Sinha, Chinese writer Geling Yan and environmentalist, Helena Norberg-Hodge. Indonesian writers include emerging stars, Andrea Hirata, Dyah Merta and Saur Marlina Manurung.

Collision of Cultures will be one of the underlying themes of the 2008 Festival with established and emerging writers confronting the issues of 'Us and Them.'
Discussions on the environment, world religions, globalisation and the politics of food will be delved into alongside hot debates addressing crime and punishment in Asia and human rights.

Enjoy workshops that teach the craft of writing or cultural activities that offer a peek into the mystical, magical world of Bali, in between book launches, performances, exhibitions, cocktail parties and celebrations into the early hours of the morning. And if that is not enough, the 2008 Festival will take to the streets of Ubud, literally, with a night of poetry, street performers and circus antics. More information can be found at www.ubudwritersfestival.com