ARMA Fest Returns to Ubud, Celebrating Balinese Culture as a 'Living Museum'

The fourth ARMA Fest opened on September 19, 2026, at the Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA) in Ubud, Gianyar. Agung Yudi, chairman of the ARMA Foundation, emphasized the museum's role as a dynamic "living museum" that bridges generations, noting that ARMA, now in its 30th year, has grown through the support of artists, cultural figures, and the broader community rather than any single individual.

The festival serves as a link between senior and emerging artists, opening space for young artists, cultural practitioners, and the local Culture Department to collaborate on preserving Balinese culture while giving small and medium enterprises (UMKM) a platform to showcase their products.

ARMA Ubud General Manager Made Suhartana said the festival's purpose is measured not in numbers but in the value it offers the community.

The event includes a painting exhibition titled "Style Keling," which opened September 17 featuring works from artists in Keling Village and local youth. Daily cultural performances and dances take place on an open stage, including a 35-member children's dance troupe Semara Murah, a short dance by Sanggar Kumarasari, and nine belaganjur percussion groups performing across two days with hundreds of participants overall.

Organizers confirmed that all proceeds from UMKM stalls go directly to the vendors, with no commission taken by the museum.