Cemeti Institute for Art and Society
Indonesia · Visual Arts
The 2024 Art Space Grant was awarded to Cemeti Institute for Art and Society, Indonesia’s pioneering platform for contemporary art, known for its dynamic engagement with artists, curators, and local communities. Cemeti fosters socially and politically engaged practices through long-term research projects, exhibitions, workshops, and residencies in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Founded in 1988 by artists Mella Jaarsma and Nindityo Adipurnomo, Cemeti Institute for Art and Society has been at the forefront of critical conversations on contemporary art in Indonesia. The subtitle ‘Institute for Art and Society’ was added in 2017 to express the organisation’s commitment to socially and politically engaged artistic practices, exploring the possibility for a gallery to act as a site for civic action.Programs include artist residencies, research initiatives, and collaborations with local communities. The legacy of combining artistic rigor with societal engagement exemplifies Cemeti‘s commitment to art as a catalyst for change. However, the institution is reimagining its funding strategies and provoking alternative narratives in contemporary Indonesian art.
Cemeti Institute for Art and Society, initially established as Cemeti Gallery in 1988, has long been a cornerstone of Indonesian contemporary art. Led since 2024 by co-directors Mira Asriningtyas and Dito Yuwono, the organization has undergone a vibrant revival. Mira and Dito, known collectively as LIR, bring a deep understanding of local dynamics and an impressive network spanning regional and international art circles. Their recent project as LIR, like 900mdpl, a site-specific effort in Kaliurang, preserve collective memory and engage the community of this volcanic region, while international exhibitions such as Transient Museum of a Thousand Conversations have connected local voices to global contexts. Cemeti’s five-year plan under their leadership aligns with local needs, shifting away from post-colonial funding structures to build diverse, sustainable partnerships. With its rich history and renewed vibrancy, Cemeti remains a vital meeting point for critical artistic discourse in Southeast Asia and beyond.
The Art Space Grant is a collaboration between KADIST and AFIELD.
