Yogyakarta, October 11–12, 2025 — Graduate students of the Master’s Program in Performing Art and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a field study at the Yogyakarta Cultural Festival (FKY) 2025, held at Logandeng Field, Playen, Gunungkidul. The activity served not only as an opportunity for observation but also as an experiential platform for students to actively engage in exploring the meanings of local participation, cultural practices, and ecological issues presented through the festival.

This field study is part of PSPSR’s academic agenda designed to deepen students’ understanding of cultural festivals as spaces for public dialogue and instruments of social transformation. Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, S.Ant., M.Hum., emphasized the importance of direct field experience for contextualizing socio-cultural dynamics. “FKY provides an opportunity for us to observe how community participation grows from the grassroots, how public spaces are collectively managed, and how art becomes part of the effort to sustain the environment,” she explained.

On the first day, students explored the festival area while interacting with local residents, artists, and visitors. They observed how FKY 2025, themed Adoh Ratu, Cedhak Watu (“Far from the Queen, Close to the Stone”), cultivated a sense of togetherness and underscored human closeness to the land, history, and village ecology. The vibrant atmosphere, the aroma of local cuisine, and the diversity of participatory artworks created a multisensory experience that deepened students’ understanding of living and inclusive social spaces.

The following day, the PSPSR students visited the House of Menep to engage in dialogue with ABDW Art Project, one of FKY 2025’s commissioned artist collectives. The discussion unfolded warmly, focusing on artworks that addressed ecological issues and environmental crises as reflections of human–nature relationships. Students actively participated by posing questions and discussing artistic strategies as well as the ethics of artistic engagement within local communities.

Through this activity, PSPSR students learned that art is not merely a medium of expression but also a means of education, advocacy, and empowerment. The visit to FKY 2025 enriched their perspectives on sustainable art practices and strengthened PSPSR’s academic commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program aligns directly with SDG 4 (Quality Education) through contextual and reflective learning; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by highlighting citizen participation and community-based public space management; SDG 13 (Climate Action) through artworks addressing ecological concerns; SDG 15 (Life on Land) by emphasizing the balance between humans and nature; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among universities, artists, and local communities. (IP)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delfin Febriansyah, a PSPSR student, achieved a remarkable accomplishment by being selected as a participant in the Indo-Tekno Scenography Workshop 2025. This intensive three-day workshop took place from September 25 to 27, 2025, at the UGM Creativity and Innovation Arena, featuring three prominent scenography experts from the University of Melbourne: Matt Scott, Martyn Coutts, and Anna Cordingley.

This innovative workshop explored the synthesis between lighting, digital media, projection, sets, and costumes in creating captivating scenographic worlds. This integrated approach serves as the key to developing the modern performing arts industry that combines technology with traditional aesthetics.

The first day’s material covered “Foundations for Integrated Design and Scenography” as well as the concepts of place, space, identity, and narrative as the foundation for holistic design. The second day presented the revolutionary topic “Light as Space Signature,” which explored innovative approaches to lighting, followed by “Technology as Provocateur,” which discussed the utilization of digital media and projection as transformative elements in worldbuilding.

The learning culminated on the third day with the material “Environments for Pathos,” which taught spatial composition and character design to enhance audience emotional response, concluding with “Integrated Design in Practice” as practical application.

Kate, an active Australian performance producer, was also present and provided additional insights into the dynamics of the performing arts industry. This comprehensive experience opened new horizons in the Indonesian performing arts industry innovation, equipping participants with global perspectives and cutting-edge techniques that can be applied to future works.

This workshop indirectly supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 4 on Quality Education and 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. The integration of digital technology in scenography introduces more efficient performance infrastructure innovation, while lighting techniques and digital projection build the foundation for a sustainable creative industry based on modern technology.

This activity is expected to serve as a catalyst for transforming Indonesia’s performing arts industry toward more sustainable practices. By combining technological innovation, high aesthetics, and environmental awareness, participants are equipped with the competencies to create world-class performances. (DF)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From August 4 to 29, 2025, Ashar Murdihastomo, a doctoral candidate in Performing and Visual Arts Studies at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), led a cross-disciplinary research team in the Netherlands. The team was awarded a highly competitive grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO) through the Research into Collections with a Colonial Context program. Out of numerous international proposals, only eleven were selected, and Ashar’s team was among those chosen.

Over nearly a month, the team conducted research at the Wereldmuseum and the Rijksmuseum, focusing on Indonesian sculptures from the eighth to the fifteenth century. Using 2D and 3D scanning technologies, the team documented the sculptures with high precision. The project involved researchers from the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), covering archaeology, archaeometry, sustainable cultural studies, and artificial intelligence, as well as computational experts from the University of Twente.

The research included documenting Hindu-Buddhist sculptures in Dutch collections, analyzing stylistic and facial characteristics with the support of artificial intelligence, and digitally reconstructing fragmented Buddha heads by matching fracture patterns. The outcomes will be presented through a publicly accessible 3D platform, accompanied by technical reconstructions of the origins of several Buddha heads. These contributions open new perspectives for archaeology and art history in Indonesia. (AM)

The project demonstrates strong relevance to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. SDG 4 – Quality Education

The project enhances academic collaboration, involving doctoral students, national researchers, and international experts, thereby improving research capacity and knowledge exchange.

2. SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The application of 2D–3D scanning and artificial intelligence represents technological innovation in cultural heritage research and builds digital infrastructure for future studies.

3. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

By documenting and digitizing Hindu-Buddhist sculptures, the project preserves cultural heritage and ensures its accessibility for both present and future generations.

4. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Conducted within the framework of colonial-era collections, the research promotes historical transparency and contributes to decolonizing knowledge systems in cultural heritage studies.

5. SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

The collaboration between UGM, BRIN, the University of Twente, the Rijksmuseum, and the Wereldmuseum exemplifies strong international partnerships that advance research, digital innovation, and heritage preservation.

 

 

 

The 3rd Forum Rabu Wagen session was held on September 17, 2025. Two speakers from the Doctoral Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at UGM were presenting their current research progress. The first speaker is Agustinus Sani Aryanto, with his topic “De(Re)Sakralisasi Gamelan Gambang: Pergulatan Musik Tradisi Bali,” where he discusses the important process of preserving and revitalising the Gamelan Gambang. It’s such an interesting discussion where the participant actively engaged with the issue that had been brought up. The second speaker is Hanafi Husni Mubaroq with his topic Pengembangan Konsep Ergonomi yang Komprehensif terhadap Parameter Keberhasilan Museum sebagai Wahana Edukasi Publik.

Hanafi discussion is centralised on the ergonomic approach in the museum. It’s a new topic to some of the participants, and we learn a lot during the discussion session. Moreover, two-way communication and engagement enable the speaker and participants to learn from one another. The total number of participants for this month’s session is 20 students. This session will resume next month, featuring a new speaker and valuable subjects. 

This forum also reflects the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4: Quality Education through knowledge-sharing and academic discussion, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by preserving cultural heritage and revitalising traditional music. (Hajar Aznam)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yogyakarta, September 19th, 2025 – The Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with Prof. Scott Thurston and Dr. Joanna Omylinska-Thurston from the University of Salford, held the “Interlude Space: Expressive Arts for Well-Being” workshop. This event was part of the Arts for the Blues parallel session, an initiative focused on utilizing art as a medium for self-reflection and healing.

The workshop was a collaboration between Teman Ketjil, a program initiated by PSPSR UGM students (Dharajatya Tri Paramatatwai, Namira Azzahra, and Yohanna Simanjutak), and two facilitators from the University of Salford: Prof. Scott Thurston and Dr. Joanna Omylinska-Thurston.

Art as a Medium for Emotional Expression and Healing

The session began with introductions and a shared agreement on safety, boundaries, and confidentiality. Participants were then guided to perform a “grounding” exercise through breathing and a body scan to harmonize their minds and bodies. They were given the freedom to find the most comfortable position, whether seated on a chair or on the floor. This intimate atmosphere encouraged participants to be grateful and to offer positive affirmations to themselves.

The session continued with a “walking” activity, where participants took a short walk to become aware of their body’s rhythm and movements. This exercise demonstrated that every individual has a unique emotional rhythm and pace.

The core of the workshop, titled “In the Garden,” invited participants to integrate drawing, collage, writing, and poetry. Participants were asked to imagine and create an ideal garden, which served as a metaphor for a safe space within themselves.In this session, participants not only engaged in creative activities but also in deep reflection. They wrote about their feelings and the needs of that personal space, even using their non-dominant hand to access an emotional side that is often difficult to express with words. Keywords from their writing were then transformed into poetry, a process that connected personal experience with artistic expression.

“Interlude Space” proved that the practice of expressive arts can bridge the gap between thoughts and feelings. By using non-verbal mediums such as drawing and body movements, participants could express experiences that might be too difficult to articulate verbally, opening the door to self-understanding and emotional recovery. The workshop not only brought together the practices of art and psychotherapy but also created an interdisciplinary space that is relevant to the mental health needs of modern society.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This event directly contributed to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being: By focusing on mental health and emotional well-being, the workshop provided a safe space for participants to manage stress and increase self-awareness.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: The workshop offered an innovative learning model that goes beyond conventional methods. Participants were invited to learn through direct, experiential learning that integrates art, psychotherapy, and personal development.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The collaboration between PSPSR UGM and the University of Salford is a concrete example of an effective global partnership. The two institutions worked together to share knowledge and best practices in supporting mental health through art.

The “Interlude Space” workshop demonstrates that art plays a vital role in supporting mental and emotional well-being, aligning with the global agenda to create healthier and more empowered communities. (IP)

 

Admission of New Students for Even Semester of Academic Year 2025/2026 Master and Doctoral Programs in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies through the portal um.ugm.ac.id

Requirements can be checked on the website pspsr.pasca.ugm.ac.id

Video Tutorial New Account PMB UM UGM click here

Download brochure here: http://ugm.id/BrosurPSPSRUGM

One step closer with PSPSR UGM click Virtual Open House archive HERE

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Yogyakarta, September 19th 2025 – The Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada hosted a guest lecture titled “Arts for the Blues: Bridging the Arts and Psychotherapy.” The event aimed to explore the intersection of the arts and psychotherapy, with a focus on a pioneering program developed at the University of Salford, UK. The lecture was delivered by Professor Scott Thurston and Dr. Joanna Omylinska-Thurston, two distinguished academics from the University of Salford.

The “Arts for the Blues” program is an innovative research and practice initiative originating in the UK. In this context, “blues” refers to feelings of sadness or depression. The program highlights how artistic mediums such as music, drama, dance, and visual arts can be integrated into the psychotherapeutic process to support mental health.

The speakers shared the program’s background, methodology, and their experiences in integrating arts and therapy. The discussion was interactive, with enthusiastic participation from students, lecturers, researchers, as well as arts and mental health practitioners. This guest lecture served as a platform for new insights into the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration between the arts and psychotherapy, while also opening doors for future research and cooperation in the fields of performing arts, visual arts, and mental health.

Speakers’ Profiles

Professor Scott Thurston is a professor at the University of Salford, UK. His expertise lies in integrating creative work with therapeutic practices. He explored the question of how a healer can also be an artist, sharing his journey and collaborative work over the past 12 years.

Dr. Joanna Omylinska-Thurston is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Salford. Her work focuses on developing interventions and policies in psychotherapy and mental health. She elaborated on the evidence-based framework of the “Arts for the Blues” program and its key components, including the use of talking, writing, movement, and drawing to help people express their feelings. 

Key Concepts and Discussion Points

Professor Thurston and Dr. Omylinska-Thurston presented the core concepts of the “Arts for the Blues” program, outlining its development, history, and collaborative nature. They shared an inspiring project that combines creative works with therapeutic practices. The discussion highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between the arts and psychotherapy.

Professor Thurston referenced key figures like Daniel Stern and Gabriele Roth to illustrate how body movement and artistic expression can be used to process emotions. He also demonstrated the creative application of these concepts through poetry and performance, emphasizing that each performance is unique and a way to express complex emotions. 

Dr. Omylinska-Thurston explained the problem of depression and how the “Arts for the Blues” program offers a creative solution. She detailed the model’s framework, which is based on an analysis of eight key ingredients essential for psychotherapy. She also described the different phases of the group process, from the initial introduction to helping participants connect with others, express anger in creative ways, and ultimately find meaning through the artistic process.

The guest lecture provided an international perspective on the integration of arts and psychotherapy, particularly the “Arts for the Blues” model from the University of Salford. Attendees gained a new understanding of the potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration between the arts and mental health sectors.

Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, Head of the Master’s Program in Performing and Visual Arts Studies, extended a warm welcome to Prof. Scott and Dr. Joanna. She expressed her hope that the meeting would be a delightful exchange of practical insights, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing and gaining new knowledge. She also looks forward to future collaborations on various projects. The event, as noted by Dr. Paramitha, “offered new knowledge and laid the groundwork for future collaboration, such as joint journal publications or research projects.” It is hoped that this event will serve as a catalyst for new research and collaboration opportunities in Indonesia, building on the success of similar programs in the UK and the US. (IP)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The event contributed to the following Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by promoting mental health through innovative artistic practices.
• SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing a high-quality academic forum for students and faculty.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering international collaboration between academic institutions.

 

 

Stevanaventi Asriuni Minarpradipta, a graduate student in the Master’s Program for Performance and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at UGM, demonstrates her prowess by taking on three crucial roles in the latest musical film by renowned director Garin Nugroho, “SIAPA DIA” (WHO IS SHE). Known affectionately as Achi Pradipta, this woman not only appears as a supporting actress but is also entrusted as a vocal coach, vocal arranger, and vocal director. Her involvement serves as proof that the academic world is capable of producing competent arts practitioners ready to contribute to the creative industry.

The newly released film “SIAPA DIA” takes audiences on an emotional journey with the character Layar (played by Nicholas Saputra). Layar traces cross-generational romance stories—from the era of his great-grandfather and grandfather, to his father. To find inspiration in creating a musical theatre. Directed by Garin Nugroho, this film features an array of top-tier stars including Gisela Anastasya, Widi Mulia, Dira Sugandi, Happy Salma, Morgan Oey, and Ariel Tatum. Among these big names, Achi Pradipta successfully adds her own distinctive touch through her significant contribution to the vocal department. 

Musical Acuity that Earns Praise

One piece of evidence of Achi’s talent was revealed during a post-screening discussion at Empire XXI Yogyakarta on August 25, 2025. Actress Widi Mulia shared a memorable moment from the filming location that highlighted Achi’s artistic sensitivity.

“There was one scene where Mas Garin asked us to sing spontaneously. Fortunately, Achi was there and immediately sprang into action, accompanying us with her keyboard,” Widi recalled.

This moment demonstrates Achi’s ability to read situations and create musical harmony instantaneously. Her quick flow of melody that harmonized with the actors’ vocal improvisations becomes proof of her exceptional acuity and talent, transforming a spontaneous challenge into a captivating scene. Achi Pradipta’s contribution to “SIAPA DIA” represents an excellent synergy while serving as inspiration for other art students to create works. This achievement also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, through the integration of academic expertise into professional practice, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by strengthening the creative industry and promoting cultural innovation. (DF)

Two students from the Master’s Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) UGM, Febri Anugerah and Isradina Paricha, from the art collective Lelaku Studio, were participating artists in the Biennale Jatim XI, which took place from 20 August to 20 September 2025. The biennale, which is being held at the Pudak Gallery in Gresik, East Java, is themed Hantu Laut: The Spectre of The Sea and serves as a space to re-examine society’s relationship with the ocean. Lelaku Studio, active since 2018, is known for its distinctive artistic practice that merges archaeological research with material innovation. Their focus on repurposing High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) plastic is not merely an aesthetic choice but also a principled stance aligned with sustainable production and environmental stewardship.

The primary work they are exhibiting is an installation titled “Penunggu Garis Air” (The Guardian of the Waterline). Responding to the biennale’s theme, the work visually manifests as a spiritual gateway between dimensions. The centerpiece of the gate features a complex relief depicting a guardian goddess, flanked by her two faithful wahana (spiritual vehicles): an ape and an elephant. The inspiration for this piece is drawn from the practices of coastal communities who dedicate spaces to honor the unseen guardians of the sea. Thus, “Penunggu Garis Air” acts as a medium that records rituals, collective memory, and the ecological anxieties of society concerning the ocean.

More than just an art object, “Penunggu Garis Air” is a powerful conceptual bridge. The installation unites the personal narratives of both artists: Isradina’s experiences, rooted in South Sumatra (upstream), are interwoven with Febri’s perspective from Java (downstream). This meeting of two cultural landscapes gives birth to a visual metaphor for the journey from trauma to recovery. Through this work, Lelaku Studio actively invites the audience to reflect on humanity’s spiritual connection with water. The piece serves as a manifesto that nurturing local memory and beliefs is a gentle yet profound form of resistance against the neglect of cultural heritage.

Broader Context and Participation

Biennale Jatim XI is a large-scale exhibition involving a total of 67 artists from Indonesia and abroad. The event showcases a diverse range of artistic mediums, from visual arts to performance art, and is enriched by various other art activation programs. The participation of PSPSR UGM students in this event highlights their active contribution to Indonesia’s contemporary art ecosystem. Biennale Jatim XI involves a curatorial team consisting of Ismal Muntaha, Elyda K. Rara, Ragil Cahya Maulana, and Vini Salma Fadhilah. Their work is supported by Lucky Childa Pratama as Artistic Director and Danny Hartanto as Program Director.

Holistically, Lelaku Studio’s work and creative process align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In terms of production, the choice of recycled HDPE plastic is a tangible form of Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) and a critical response to the issue of marine pollution that threatens Life Below Water (SDG 14). Thematically, the work contributes to Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) by highlighting and preserving the intangible cultural heritage of coastal communities. Ultimately, the entire process serves as a platform for Quality Education (SDG 4) for the artists as students, who apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting to hone their research skills, artistic practice, and professional networks. (IP)

 

 

Yogyakarta (22 August 2025)  The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) celebrated its 42nd Anniversary with a spirit of togetherness through a series of festive activities. The celebration commenced with a group aerobics session led by Heni Siswantari and Hendra Nasution, doctoral students of the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) Program. The involvement of PSPSR students as instructors not only brought positive energy to the event but also reflected the active contribution of students in supporting institutional activities.

The aerobics session was conducted in two segments, with a total duration of approximately 30 minutes. Faculty members, staff, and university leaders enthusiastically participated, engaging in lively movements that fostered both health and unity. In addition to promoting physical fitness, the activity encouraged a spirit of healthy competition, as the most enthusiastic participants were awarded with door prizes. The vibrant and joyful atmosphere underscored the significance of this activity as a unifying moment for the entire Graduate School academic community.

This activity served as a concrete manifestation of the institution’s commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being, emphasizing the importance of health and wellness for all members of the academic community. More than a physical exercise, the aerobics session strengthened solidarity, enhanced collegial relations among staff, lecturers, students, and leadership, and reminded participants of the value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle within an academic environment.

By commencing the 42nd Anniversary celebration with a communal aerobics session, the Graduate School of UGM not only marked a milestone in its institutional journey but also reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a healthy, inclusive, and globally competitive academic space. (AHP)