Despite news of heavy rain and flooding in nearby Denpasar the day before, it was perfectly sunny when Bali’s first contemporary art fair opened on September 12. The prayers from three priests, hired by the organisers of the event to ensure clear weather, must have worked.
Over the course of three days, more than 150 artists – a 70/30 split from Indonesia and abroad – were showcased in an art fair that was more akin to a festival, with around 50 programmes including performances, talks and workshops aimed at bringing art to the public.
