BCA Launches Sanggar Bakti BCA Programme to Support Sustainability of Indonesian Performing Arts
PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) has officially launched the Sanggar Bakti BCA programme as a step to strengthen the sustainability of Indonesia’s performing arts ecosystem. The programme addresses the real challenges faced by arts communities, ranging from limited funding and minimal organisational management capacity to restricted access to mentoring and development networks.
Citra Art Studio has become the first sanggar selected to participate in the Sanggar Bakti BCA programme, receiving more in-depth medium-term coaching. The coaching focuses not only on improving the quality of performance works, but also on strengthening the organisation, managing activities and performances, documenting works, and developing human resources so that the sanggar can grow more professionally, independently and sustainably.
For context, Citra Art Studio is a community working in dance and music, founded by Armen Suwandi and Siti Suryani. The studio also pursues contemporary dance, all forms of traditional dance, and creations from across the archipelago. Citra Art Studio is actively involved in efforts to develop and preserve Indonesia’s arts and culture, as demonstrated by its participation in various events both at home and abroad, as well as in music and dance festivals.
BCA’s EVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility, Hera F. Haryn, expressed hope that the programme can strengthen the role of the sanggar, established in 2006, as a space for preserving and developing arts and culture, so that it can continue to produce works, open learning opportunities for the younger generation and deliver broader benefits to society.
“We hope the selected sanggar can use this programme to develop their potential, expand opportunities, and strengthen their sustainability. The mentoring we provide is expected to equip them to keep growing and reach a wider audience,” she said in an official statement on Tuesday (21 July).
The programme is being implemented in partnership with Titimangsa as the implementing partner. This choice was based on Titimangsa’s track record of more than 15 years in developing performing arts, along with its experience producing various artistic works and training programmes.
Sanggar Bakti BCA is implemented in two stages. The first stage involves assessing and mapping arts communities to identify potential sanggar based on their artistic activities, organisational capacity, quality of artistic processes, and commitment to development. The second stage is intensive mentoring covering the strengthening of artistic quality, organisational capacity building, and the development of performance works.
Ten sanggar shortlisted as programme candidates were assessed by a team of researchers comprising Elly Luthan (maestro and traditional dance choreographer) and Joned Suryatmoko (actor and arts practitioner). Based on a comprehensive evaluation, five sanggar met the criteria and went on to present directly before an expert panel competent in their fields: Happy Salma (Founder of Titimangsa), Nungki Kusumastuti (Arts and Performance Academic), Sari Madjid (Producer and Stage Manager of Teater Koma), and Nanang Hape (cultural figure and dalang).
As implementing partner of the Sanggar Bakti BCA programme, Happy Salma expressed appreciation for the collaboration with Bakti BCA in supporting the sustainability of performing arts in Indonesia. According to her, the programme provides a learning space that opens opportunities for sanggar to enrich their perspectives in managing and developing their artistic activities, while also strengthening the ecosystem and its sustainability.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Bakti BCA on this programme. This collaboration is a truly valuable experience for Titimangsa. We have met many arts practitioners who work with full consistency and love for tradition. We hope the selected sanggar can use this programme as an opportunity to exchange knowledge, develop new ideas, and grow more confident on their artistic journey,” said Happy Salma.
Nungki Kusumastuti also offered words of encouragement, hoping the selected sanggar can further strengthen the programmes they will implement after receiving BCA’s mentoring. She expressed hope that the coaching can be carried out efficiently and on target.
“Being selected as a Sanggar Bakti BCA is certainly an achievement as well as a responsibility. I hope the selected sanggar can use this programme to further strengthen their management, develop their potential, and prepare steps so the sanggar can continue to grow independently. That said, congratulations on being selected,” said the woman commonly known as Nungki.