75 artists rally at mayor's office

75 artists rally at mayor's office

TANGERANG: Some 75 artists from the Tangerang Arts Council
staged a rally at the municipal administration office on Monday
to demand the administration provide them a space to put on
exhibitions and performances.

With paint on their face, the artists formed a large circle
inside the office compound. Three of the demonstrators performed
dances and read poems, while a number of others held up posters
to demand the administration pay attention to their demands.

"The administration officials only remembered artists when
they needed them to contribute their skills for the celebration
of the municipal administration's anniversary last year," the
council's chairman, Wedha, said.

Hundreds of artists in Tangerang announced the establishment
of the arts council in July 2000.

The demonstrators dispersed at about noon, having failed to
meet with Mayor M. Thamrin or other administration officials.
--JP