JAKARTA – Bali defines itself through the pulse of its arts. However, a sharp irony exists beneath the grandeur of the sculptures and canvases that tourists adore. The public still views the profession of “artist” with a lack of prestige. This specific concern drives Victoria Kosasie, an artist and the Puteri Indonesia 2026 Finalist from Bali, to launch her advocacy platform, kemBALIkeSENI.
From London Back to the Roots
Victoria brings a formidable educational pedigree to the table. She earned her First Class Honours from Central Saint Martins, London. Furthermore, she secured the Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship to complete her Master’s at the Royal College of Art. This institution remains one of the most prestigious art schools in the world.
Her previous role at the Contemporary Art Society in the UK shaped her professional outlook. There, she managed philanthropy and art acquisitions for major museums. Consequently, she gained deep insights into how a professional art ecosystem functions.
“I carry great hopes after returning to Indonesia,” Victoria states. “We launched kemBALIkeSENI earlier this year, and we currently focus our energy on research,” the winner of the Bandung Contemporary Art Awards (BaCAA) 2022 explains.
Empowering the “People Behind the Art”
This 26-year-old visionary identifies a glaring gap in the domestic creative industry. Tourism and the creative economy rely heavily on crafts, carvings, and paintings. Nevertheless, society frequently belittles the artists who produce this value.
“In Indonesia, the creative economy depends on the value of art. Yet, people still look down on the artist as a professional. I want to highlight the ‘people behind the art’ because they deserve more,” Victoria asserts.
A Platform for a Sustainable Ecosystem
kemBALIkeSENI functions as more than a seasonal movement. It serves as a bridge for collaboration between various sectors.
- Artists & Educators: The platform creates transparent opportunities and shares knowledge.
- Local Business Owners: The initiative integrates art into the practical economy.
- Collectors & Philanthropists: The project ensures the long-term financial health of the culture.
Victoria believes that art acts as the very breath of Bali. By returning to her birthplace, she inspires the younger generation to embrace art as a proud, professional career path.
Through kemBALIkeSENI, Victoria Kosasie does more than compete in a pageant. She builds a foundation so that Balinese cultural identity remains sustainable, transparent, and highly respected on the global stage.
As reported by Tia Agnes Astuti of detik.com
