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THE MINISTRY of Creative Economy is fostering the development of the visual arts subsector as part of its efforts to strengthen the national creative industry. This commitment was highlighted during a visit by the Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, to the contemporary visual arts exhibition ARTSUBS 2026, held at Balai Pemuda in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday (10/28), 2026.
“Works of visual art possess not only aesthetic value but also embody ideas, identity, and intellectual property—all of which hold the potential to be developed into economic value-add. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate an environment that supports artists in their creative process, the promotion of their work, and access to broader market opportunities,” stated Teuku Riefky.
Now in its third edition since 2024, ARTSUBS 2026 is themed “Border, Threshold, and Beyond.” Running from September 19 to November 8, 2026, the exhibition features approximately 500 works by 113 Indonesian artists. The theme explores boundaries and new possibilities within contemporary visual arts practice through a diverse range of concepts, mediums, and artistic approaches.
During his visit, Teuku Riefky examined the exhibited works and observed the diverse creative practices of the participating artists. ARTSUBS serves as an example of an exhibition space that connects artists with the public, while simultaneously expanding the community’s access to the evolution of contemporary visual arts in Indonesia.
The visual arts ecosystem encompasses a wide array of activities beyond the act of creation itself—ranging from curation and exhibition management to collection and distribution. The interconnectedness among artists, organizers, collectors, communities, and business stakeholders creates opportunities for the emergence of supporting professions and expands market networks for Indonesian visual art.
“The sustainability of the visual arts subsector requires the involvement of various parties—from artists, curators, and exhibition organizers to collectors and the government. Such synergy is essential for fostering a conducive creative environment and ensuring that the development of the visual arts receives ongoing support,” added Teuku Riefky.
The Ministry of Creative Economy continues to promote the development of the visual arts subsector by strengthening the ecosystem and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. These efforts are expected to broaden opportunities for Indonesian artists to develop their work, enhance their competitiveness, and contribute to the growth of the national creative economy. [traveltext.id]
