Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) Program, the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, hosted a sharing session titled “Research Methods (in the Study of) the Arts,” featuring Michael HB Raditya, M.A., Ph.D (cand.) as the speaker. The event took place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Room 407, 4th Floor, Graduate School UGM, starting at 9:00 AM.

Currently pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Melbourne, Michael HB Raditya discussed methodological shifts in arts research, drawing from his ongoing study on dangdut, an Indonesian popular music genre. He highlighted the increasing role of digital technology and the internet in shaping contemporary research practices, especially through the use of big data and internet-based data collection. read more

On April 23, 2025, an engaging academic discussion was held by Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, titled “Unpacking the Dancer’s Body (Practice as Research/PaR)”. The event featured several notable speakers, including Dr. Bambang Pujasworo, a faculty member of the Graduate Program in Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) UGM, Galih Prakasiwi, M.A., an alumnus of PSPSR UGM who served as the main discussant, and Heni Siswantari, S.Pd., M.A., a Ph.D. candidate at PSPSR UGM, who acted as the moderator. read more

On May 9, 2025, the Graduate Program in Performing and Visual Arts Studies (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held Performing Enchantment at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM, presenting a rich evening of diverse expressions in the performing arts.

From the outset, the spatial arrangement stood out. Instead of using the conventional stage, the performance area was placed in front of it, giving performers the freedom to move and create dynamic floor patterns. The Reog Ponorogo musicians were positioned beneath the left-side stands, near the entrance and the audience, producing a surround sound effect that felt immersive and immediate. read more

On May 9, 2025, the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) showcased the power of artistic collaboration at the Performing Enchantment event, held at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM. The event was the culmination of a series of celebrations marking 36 years of Lono Simatupang’s academic contributions and 34 years of the PSPSR Program at UGM.

The event’s core was its seamless collaboration among artists, academics, alumni, students, and families. The opening Reog Ponorogo performance set the tone, bringing together local Reog artists and PSPSR’s creative team to blend tradition with fresh artistic direction. read more

On May 9, 2025, the Performing Arts and Visual Arts Studies Program (PSPSR) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a sarasehan themed “Beyond the Wall of Self,” where Dr. Gabriel Roosmargo Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A., reflected on his personal and professional journey, emphasizing the significance of growing together with others.

Unlike typical commemorations that focus on external tributes, Lono Simatupang deliberately chose “Beyond the Wall of Self” to highlight how his artistic and academic journey has always been shaped by encounters and collaborations. “I did not want others to merely talk about me, but rather, I wanted to share how I have grown because of and together with others,” he remarked during the event. read more

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