Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized an inspiring dialogue titled “Beyond the Wall of Self” on Friday, May 9, 2025. This event commemorated 36 years of Lono Simatupang’s academic journey and 34 years of PSPSR UGM’s contributions. The dialogue provided a platform for reflection on meaningful interactions and relationships with Dr. Lono Simatupang, particularly within academic and creative contexts. Lecturers, alumni from various generations, and students of PSPSR UGM attended the event. This activity served as a space to reflect on PSPSR’s role as an educational institution shaping individuals and fostering the creation of significant works. The Dean of the UGM Graduate School, Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D., highlighted PSPSR’s role in producing alumni as a key indicator of success. She emphasized that the multidisciplinary approach forms PSPSR’s core strength, broadly impacting society. read more

The Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organised a session on Thursday, May 8, to connect with PSPSR alumni under the theme, “Menjalin Silaturahmi, Menggelar Aspirasi.”  This event was moderated by Heni Siswantari, M.A., and featured three speakers who provided inspiration and insight: Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum, Dr. Aris Setiawan, S.Sn,  M.Sn, and  Karen Hardini, M.A.

This program was part of the Syawalan Seni celebration, which marked 34 years of PSPSR UGM and 36 years of Lono Simatupang’s academic journey. In his sharing, Dr. Paramitha presented the latest data and news from PSPSR to guests, alumni, and students. This sharing provided a discourse to everyone about what has been done and what else can be done to ensure the sustainability of the quality of education in line with the recommendations in the SDG requirements. Dr. Paramitha also presented the most recent curriculum structure development and is a major driving force behind the study program. The presentation is significant since the individuals present are considered stakeholders, and their opinions and perspectives are helpful for improvement. Dr. Paramitha also extended a warm welcome to alumni and anybody else interested in knowledge-sharing initiatives. read more

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the opening ceremony of the exhibition entitled Re.uni(que): Menganyam Pesona, Merajut Perjumpaan, was held at the UGM Postgraduate School Building, organised by the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). The exhibition was held as part of Syawalan Seni, a celebration commemorating 36 years of Lono Simatupang’s academic journey and the 34th anniversary of the PSPSR Program. 

The welcome speech from Dr Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum, opened the session by appreciating alumni from outside the city and across the continent who made it to the exhibition. She also appreciated the alumni and students who produced the artwork and managed the exhibition. The curator, Dr Nadiyah Tunnikmah, M.A., delivered her welcome speech after Dr Rr  Paramitha. One of her remarks that drew attention was the claim that the exhibition is a performance, which emerged from an event inspired by Pak Lono Simatupang, who was also celebrated at the Syawalan Seni event for his contributions to PSPSR during his years of service. Dr Nadiyah also stated that everyone present would understand the meaning that arises from the interaction between the exhibited works and the viewers, emphasising that this exhibition session uniquely serves as a meeting space between time and souls. “The presence of these artworks within this space represents a collaboration among participants from various generations—lecturers, alumni, and students. We are re-knitting this space as a meeting point that continues to evolve together,” Dr Nadiyah articulated during her opening remarks. The next part of the event was the opening speech at the exhibition and alumni meeting, delivered by Prof. Dr Widyanto Dwi Nugroho S. Hut, M.Agr., the Vice Dean of Academics and Student Affairs at UGM Graduate School, who expressed his appreciation for the implementation of this Syawalan Seni programme. read more

The Study Program of Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has officially opened its art exhibition, “Re.uni(que): Menganyam Pesona dan Merajut Perjumpaan.” The inauguration took place on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Building Unit 03 of the Graduate School. This significant event is a cornerstone of the PSPSR Syawalan Seni series. Also, it celebrates two important milestones: the 36th anniversary of Lono Simatupang’s academic legacy and the 34th year of the PSPSR program itself. The exhibition will be accessible to the public until May 21, 2025. read more

On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Study Program of Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a field study as part of the Critique of Visual Arts, Design, and Media Arts course. Twelve students attended this activity under the guidance of the course instructor, Dr. Suwarno Wisetrotomo, M.Hum.

During the field study, the group visited the open studio of Cemeti Institute for Art and Society, open to the public from April 18 to May 24, 2025, Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Cemeti Institute is a renowned contemporary art institution with a longstanding reputation for supporting experimental art practices in Indonesia. One of the main sessions of the visit was a presentation by Agung Kurniawan, a prominent Indonesian artist, who explored various possibilities of drawing as a medium of expression. Kurniawan critically reflected on the relevance of drawing in today’s artistic context, questioning whether it remains a potent form of communication or has lost its significance. read more

On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the Graduation Ceremony for the Postgraduate Program, Period III of the 2024/2025 Academic Year. The event took place at Grha Sabha Pramana Building and was attended by graduates from various study programs under the auspices of UGM.

The graduation ceremony was officially opened by the Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., who, in her address, expressed her pride in the achievements of all graduates and conveyed her hopes that they would contribute their knowledge to the advancement of the nation and the welfare of society. In this period, UGM conferred degrees upon 1,455 graduates across multiple postgraduate levels, including Master, Specialist, and Doctoral programs.  read more

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 9:00 AM WIB, a Potluck Sharing Session was held, focusing on the processes and experiences related to comprehensive examinations, research seminars, and final dissertation defences for doctoral students. The event took place in Meeting Room A at the Graduate School and was attended by Ph.D candidates from various cohorts, ranging from the 2019 to 2024 academic intakes.

Although informal in format, the event was rich in academic substance. The “potluck” concept served as a central feature, wherein each participant brought food to share with others, fostering a warm, communal atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue and participatory engagement. read more

On April 16, 2025, the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR), at the School of Postgraduate Studies, conducted an Academic Progress Monitoring activity for Master’s (S2) students from the odd semesters of 2022 and 2023. The event began at 10:00 AM in Room 207 and was led by Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum., the Head of the PSPSR Program

The primary objective of this monitoring activity was to evaluate the academic development of students currently engaged in the thesis-writing stage. During the session, the Program Head allowed each student to present their academic achievements, discuss the challenges they were facing, and outline their targets for completing their thesis. The discussion was conducted openly and constructively, with students actively participating and offering honest, detailed explanations of their research processes. read more

From January to March 2025, Riza Pradito Yuwono, a Master’s student in the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program at UGM, had the opportunity to participate in an artist residency program organized by Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris, Institut Français Indonésie, and Cemeti Institute for Art and Society. Here, he shares his story:

“I arrived in Paris on the 2nd day of 2025, realizing I was still in transitional mode, a combination of year-end shift, hectic packing mode, and the remaining of last year’s jet lag. I was part of an artist in residence program which co-organize by Cité Internationale des Arts, Institut Françe Indonesia, and Cemeti Institute for Art and Society. read more

Amid the holy month of Ramadan, on March 22, 2025, from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM, the Study Program of Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) hosted an iftar gathering, preceded by a discussion titled Studies on Art and Religion. The event, held in the front corridor of the PSPSR study program office, brought together the entire PSPSR academic community. The keynote speaker, Dr. G. Budi Subanar, S.J. (Romo Banar), explored the intricate relationship between art and religion from both academic and cultural perspectives. read more