TIM renovation not to halt art activities

TIM renovation not to halt art activities

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has asked the Taman
Ismail Marzuki Art Center not to halt art activities completely
while the complex is renovated.

Speaking at the breaking of fast dinner with artists on
Sunday, Surjadi said that the renovation was meant to provide
better facilities for the artists.

"The renovation does not mean to evict the artists from the
complex or stop their activities," Surjadi said.

The 28-year old art center, on Jl. Cikini Raya, Central
Jakarta will undergo major renovation starting May or June.

Wiyogo Atmodarminto, the chairman of the Yayasan Kesenian
Jakarta, a local art foundation which raised funds for the
project, has said the renovation is expected to swallow Rp 200
billion and to take 10 years to complete.

He explained that the center is no longer adequate as an arts
center, therefore, everything in the complex, including the art
exhibition center and the Jakarta Art Institute campus will be
refurbished to meet international standards.

Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said on Sunday that Jakarta needs a
a representative art center to accommodate the development of the
country's culture and spirit.

The new complex will have four zones. The main zone will be a
12-story office building and eight-story Wisma Seni (Art House).

The exhibition hall and information center will be in the
second zone, while the new, modern theater will be in the third
zone. The Jakarta Art Institute's new campus will occupy the
fourth zone. (sur)