Ancol Art Market

The story begins in 1975 with only a small and modest compound to house Art Market activity for 3 days and later 7 days a month. The temporary compound of the market was located between ‘Gelanggang Samudra’ and ‘Gelanggang Renang’, Ancol. The market was initially open to induce the creativity of the artist and to increase people’s appreciation of art.


The story begins in 1975 with only a small and modest compound to house Art Market activity for 3 days and later 7 days a month. The temporary compound of the market was located between ‘Gelanggang Samudra’ and ‘Gelanggang Renang’, Ancol. The market was initially open to induce the creativity of the artist and to increase people’s appreciation of art.

Having been successful in attracting buyer and artist from all over Indonesia, the market eventually become permanent. In 17 December 1977, Jakarta’s Governor officially re-opened the market. The market consist of 114 kiosk which consist of various art workshop and shop that sold various art and craft products particularly paintings and sculptures. Along with these kiosk, there emerge various food and beverages stalls all around the market.

Along with the growth of the market and also to satisfy demand from customer more kiosk was added. In 22 August 1980, a second part of the market, which is known as Ancol Art Market II was officially open for the public. This part of the market house 97 kiosks which mainly used as art workshop in which the customers are given the chance to witness the creative process of the art.

In 17 February 1984, a new gallery was established named “Galeri Jaya Ancol”. This gallery is a two stories building where the first floor is used to display various science models to attract the interest of young generation to science. The second floor is used for art display where various artist can display their work.

Activity

Art Performance

In the centre of the market area there is an open stage where various artist performs both traditional and modern art, from dancing to music recital. The performers come from both within and outside Indonesia.

During the 80's there was also a Live Jazz Music performance every friday night. However this event was no longer held in this place today.

Exhibition

Various exhibitions and competitions are sometimes held in this place such as Photography competition, Puppet competition, etc.


Art Kiosks and Workshop

The goods sold consist of various art and craft from across Indonesian archipelago from traditional fabric such as batik, songket, etc to pottery and wooden craft.

In the gallery there is also a “Science Park” where display of various science models are placed.


Art Studio

The art studios are referred to many paintings workshops where the painters from different genre from naturalist to abstract create their art and sell it to the visitors. The visitor can see how is the artist in their creative process and the visitor can even sometimes involve it the creative process itself. Many visitors sometimes ask the painters to paint them on the spot. The spot give just the right atmosphere for interaction between the artist and the visitors and between one artist and another.


Ancol Art Market today

The market had seen its days of glory in the 80’s but along with the emergence of many art galleries all around Jakarta, this market which was once had give birth to many great artist such as Nyoman Gunarsa, Abbas Alibasjah, Sudarso dan Amrus Natasya.had now lost its popularity.

Many artists had now preferred to sell their work in various shopping centre, mall, hotels, or other more prestigious or well known gallery

This conditions is worsened by the fact that not many art events or exhibitions held in the market to attract visitors. But still in this commercially non conducive environment, many artists are still trying to exist and maintain their creative spirit.

From various sources
Photograph : Utun L Kartakusumah