Our favorite events to attend in Bali (as event producers)

Living and working as event producers in Bali has given us front-row seats to some of the most amazing annual happenings you'll find anywhere in the world. We're talking about everything from the incredible Balinese festivals (like the ogoh ogoh parades before Nyepi day, when the entire island goes completely silent for 24 hours) to the buzzing energy of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, where book lovers and authors from everywhere come together. What we love most is how diverse the scene is here. As people who create events for a living, we're constantly amazed by how Bali manages to blend traditions with cutting-edge contemporary culture, creating these unforgettable experiences that keep drawing people back year after year.

We’ve picked a few of our favorite events on the island in case you want to add them to your calendar.

1/ Ubud Writers and Readers Festival

To have a festival of this caliber on our doorstep is such a privilege. We close the office every year and head to the festival as a team for a four day brain spa. We always make time for the poetry and the unknown (to us) writers as they often have the most surprising panels. In their words: Set in the heart of Ubud, Bali's vibrant art and cultural hub, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival invites thousands of attendees each year who are offered the opportunity to listen to world-leading writers, poets, and novelists in conversations about a range of themes. We take pride in celebrating curiosity and a sense of intellectual adventure every October in the heart of Bali. Our program is driven by the desire to spark ideas, foster dialogue, and provide a space for engaging with the world.

2/ Jia CURATED

A new but much-appreciated addition to the event landscape of Bali, this design and craft celebration is one of our most anticipated annual events. From the venue (an abandoned theme park crumbling away) to the vendors (all incredibly talented) to the immersive experiences, it’s an amazing event.

In their words: Jia CURATED is an immersive weekend of craft, design, and culture. Originally introduced in 2022 as Jia Curated Kiosks, it evolved into Jia CURATED in 2025, expanding its vision and impact. Rooted in the meaning of Jia—home in Chinese—the event explores a new theme each year, fostering connections and dialogue through exhibitions, programmes, and initiatives.

3/ Ubud Food Festival

A sister festival to Ubud Writers, the Ubud Food Festival is everything a foodie could want. Geek out on the technique and science, go deep on the history and culture, or just eat to your heart’s content.

In their words: Founded in 2015, the Ubud Food Festival is a three-day cross-cultural culinary adventure with Indonesian food as the star. Showcasing Indonesia’s diverse cuisine, innovative chefs, and extraordinary local produce have always been at the heart of UFF. Each year, the festival welcomes audiences and chefs from near and far to learn about Indonesia through its cuisine.

And a bonus one (and one we actually produce so we don’t actually get to see much but people tell us they love it!) is Ubud Open Studios. An annual celebration of art and artists where over 60 studios throw open their doors for three days so you can curate the art journey of your dreams.

Behind the design: A Royal Dinner at Ibah

We were honored to helm the design and production of a private dinner for 50 people at the Ibah property hosted by the Kerthyasa family. The dinner was created for guests to meet members of Ubud’s royal family and to learn about Ubud’s history and heritage, while experiencing it surrounded by the stunning architecture and landscape of the property.

Facing the threat of rain in a very unusual August climate, we pivoted in the last 48 hours to redesign the event spaces and rethink the whole evening, a massive undertaking for the team and Ibah. We moved the dinner into the lobby area, kept the cocktail area in the main restaurant, and created a stage and seating for audience in the garden.

The guests entered through a traditional Balinese stone gate decorated with handwoven gold accent pieces, after being greeted by a friendly barong troupe. They then passed by the animals of Bali, wayang leather shadow puppet figures emerging from the garden beds as they walked towards a sole dancer positioned at the end of the walkway.

Some of the Kerthyasa family members gave a brief talk after cocktails were served under open skies to help guests gain a deeper understanding of Ubud. They presented against a beautiful hand-woven leaf backdrop featuring traditional Balinese floral motifs.

The tablescape featured local flowers like marigolds, hydrangeas, and strelitzia, interspersed with handwoven traditional Balinese offering components. Place names were held by intricately pieced together offering components representing the head of a dancer.

Lighting came from human-sized standing lotus lamps and hanging lotus blooms, all made from natural leaf materials, and candles wrapped in banana skin lining the footpaths.

Ibah is located on the historical grounds of the Campuhan Valley by the Wos River in Ubud, built on ancestral lands that were gifted as a wedding present to the founding family.

The property serves as both a sanctuary for travelers seeking a ‘old Bali’ experience and a vibrant tribute to preserving classic Balinese culture. Tjokorda Raka Kerthyasa holds the position of Bendesa Adat of Ubud (Head of Customary Village Organization) since 2009 and is one of Bali's respected authorities on culture and local traditions.

The Ibah property represents a beautiful blend of royal heritage, cultural preservation, and hospitality, maintaining its ancestral significance while serving as a luxury accommodation for visitors to Ubud.

Five of the best attendee gifts we ever put together for Bali events

Attendee gifts, event merch, swag – whatever you call it, it's controversial.

We've had many hours of conversation with clients who swear they don't want to give attendees anything, that it will be a waste, and then as the event creeps closer, panic and have to choose from the same old selections. Sound familiar?

Look, we get it. You've seen the conference tote bags left behind, the branded pens that end up in hotel room trash cans, and the USB drives gathering dust in desk drawers. But here's the thing – when done right, attendee gifts become conversation starters, Instagram moments, and genuine reminders of an incredible experience. And in a place like Bali, we are spoiled for choice. We can have the most incredible custom pieces created that are amazing brand ambassadors long after the event is over.

After 15+ years of producing events in Bali, we've learned that the best attendee gifts aren't about your logo (shocking, we know). They're about creating a connection between your guests and the place they're visiting, giving them something with actual utility, or sparking joy in unexpected ways.

P.S. water bottles? You’d be surprised how well received they are in this climate and when you can’t drink the tap water!

Before we dive into five attendee gifts that had people genuinely excited to take them home and why they worked so well, let us plant some ideas in your head.

Working with Local Artisans: What Event Planners Need to Know

One thing we've learned: working with local artists and craftspeople requires a different approach than ordering from corporate suppliers. Here's what to expect:

• Timeline: Add 4 weeks to what you think you need

• Communication: Be prepared for different business practices and response times

• Samples: Always order samples early – handmade means variations

• Minimums: Many artisans have higher minimums than expected

• Payment: Many require significant deposits upfront

But the results are worth it. The authenticity and uniqueness you get from working with local creators can't be replicated by mass-produced alternatives.

The Sustainability Factor

More and more corporate groups are asking about the environmental impact of their events, including gifts. Here's how to make attendee gifts part of your sustainability story rather than a guilt factor:

• Choose items with longevity: Things people will use for years, not months

• Support local economies: Keep money in the destination community

• Avoid single-use items: Even if they're branded beautifully

• Consider experiences over objects: Sometimes the gift is the experience itself

• Tell the impact story: Let attendees know how their gift made a difference

  The Future of Attendee Gifts

Based on what we're seeing with corporate groups, here's where attendee gifts are heading:

• More experiential: Classes, workshops, and activities rather than objects

• Hyper-personalized: Mass customization technology making individual touches affordable

• Impact-driven: Gifts that create positive change in the destination

With that, these are the 5 gifts that made us most proud to be a part of curating and producing.

1/ A branded edition of our Snakes and Ladders game

This was a special gift for attendees of an asset managment group. How fitting is the message of Snakes and Ladders for that crowd? A special reminder of their time in Bali and something they could share with their family once they got home.

2/ Custom banded notebooks for guests to invite them to journal, sketch, dream.

Basically slow down and be present in Bali. Featuring artwork by a Balinese artist Maya Kerthyasa of the gorgeous Balinese landscape. A budget-friendly gift with a big impact and strong ties to the island. The notebooks are also hand-bound and made of recycled paper by a group of women right here in Bali.

3/ A hand loomed scarf with a live weaving demonstration

We organized custom white scarves (for an all white party) from Bali’s oldest handloom fabric studio. Instead of just giving them to attendees, we set up a full loom with a live demonstration of the weaving process during the sunset cocktail hour. And if they got chilly after a long night of dancing? Perfect for the ride home.

4/ A Balinese Tridatu blessing bracelet with sterling silver charm

This is such a simple but powerful gift to give people arriving in Bali. We pair this with a simple ceremony led by a priest to welcome attendees and ask for blessings for the event. The bracelet has a simple silver charm with an event symbol on it and a extender to cover all wrist sizes.

5/ Cookbook signed with personal message from author

This was an amazing room drop. a cookbook featuring recipes from two of Bali’s most respected writers and chefs. Even more incredible as the guests ate the food from the cookbook two times during their event during meals cooked by the authors!

Making It Happen

The best attendee gifts don't happen by accident. They require early planning, cultural understanding, and connections with local creative communities – exactly the kind of relationships that large DMCs struggle to maintain but boutique planners like us specialize in.

If you're planning a corporate event in Bali and want attendee gifts that people actually keep, start the conversation early. The most meaningful gifts can't be rushed, but they're worth the extra planning time.

Your attendees will thank you. Your client will love the positive feedback. And six months later, when someone wears their batik shirt to a dinner party or cooks a recipe from a cookbook for friends, they'll remember exactly how your event made them feel.

Limited budget? Prioritize these 3 things at your event

So your Bali event budget is tight? Here's what actually matters from a Bali event production team who have seen a LOT in their day.

Most clients don't have unlimited budgets. After 15+ years producing events in Bali, we've learned what makes or breaks an event. If you had to choose, we suggest prioritizing three things: food, AV and venue. And if you have some leftover funds? Get an amazing photographer!

Why These Three Rule Everything

Your guests will remember how they felt, not the napkin color, or the swag. We’ve all been to events that focus on the photo optics, but forget that guests can’t hear the people they came to see, or where attendees are so hungry and thirsty that they can’t think straight. These three ‘holy trinity’ elements impact every single guest for the entire event duration.

Priority #1: Feed People Well

Hungry guests = cranky guests. Food is often the most talked-about element post-event, especially if the event hasn’t considered the vegetarians, or didn’t have free-flow water available.

What does "Feed People Well" mean for us? It's not about expensive ingredients or plated meals, it’s about timing, generosity, and variety. Fresh, well-prepared food beats fancy presentation every time. And if you think you have enough food, you don’t. You’d be so surprised how much food can be consumed.

For any event, the rule of thumb is to make sure there is food and drink either always available, or being served every two hours. For a cocktail hour event, having food flowing to soak up the alcohol is a must. For a formal event, think about family-style servings versus plated or a buffet for maximum impact.

Local ingredients done right will always win over imported disappointments and can be a lot less expensive, but leave guests raving. And yes, we did mention variety, but focus on 2-3 dishes done perfectly versus 10 mediocre options, while making sure the vegetarians and gluten-free folk have somewhere to turn.

Priority #2: Make Sure the AV is Amazing

If people can't hear, they tune out. It doesn’t matter how famous the speaker is, or worthy the topic, if attendees can’t hear or have to make an effort, it’s a disaster. Technical difficulties become the story everyone tells about your event: ‘It was such a shame…’ and let’s not even talk about bad lighting that kills the mood and the photos.

Good audio visual for events means crystal clear sound for every guest, not just the front row. It means proper lighting that makes people look good (not just the stage) Invest in quality sound first, projectors with good specs and lighting.

Work with your venue's existing systems when possible if you’ve chosen a venue with strong infrastructure, but test everything twice, use it once.

We see a lot of common tech-related mistakes that kill events. Assuming the venue's "sound system" is actually adequate is a huge one. High-tech is not what the average hotel has on hand.

Never forget about the ambient noise of the venue, especially if outdoors. Water flowing, cicadas, and restaurant kitchen noise have all wreaked havoc on event sound.

And above all, NEVER skip the sound and tech check.

Priority #3: Pick the Right Venue

The venue is the first domino that falls. Venue choice affects catering options, AV requirements, and overall guest experience. A DIY venue can hold some crazy hidden costs that lead to a huge budget balloon. The high venue rental cost that covers almost everything looks cheap in the end.

The venue can save or drain your budget faster than anything else, especially in Bali when you have to think about an electricity source, transport access for vendors, and a rain plan.

Things to think about when choosing a venue:

- Does it match your event size and style? It’s surprisungly hard to find a venue that takes over 100 people that’s not a hotel ballroom.

- Does it have the infrastructure you need? Especially important for weather and rainy days in time of climate change or yoru budget for furniture rental

- What are their restrictions and requirements? Some places will only let their chosen vendors operate there, or have 10pm sound restrictions, or don’t allow any single use material use. Ask for the full list before you fall in love with a space.

- What are the hidden costs? Extra security and village fees and mandatory generators have all tripped us up

- Where is it located? Makes a huge difference on Bali’s jammed streets. If your guests can’t get there on time, or there’s no parking, expect major delays.

The best way to avoid surprises is to let the event producers know the overall budget. We can then tell you what you absolutely can’t avoid and what smart substitutes we can make. Good producers can make your budget stretch, as long as you’ve realistically budgeted. Cost of living may be cheaper in Bali, but the cost of event production is higher than you think.

Religion and ritual in event production in Bali

What role do Balinese rituals play in event production? More than you’d think. We don’t hold any major event without asking permission of the land to hold our event and asking for protection until our event is finished.

Being very aware of our host culture and island, we do many things during events that often make our overseas clients break out in surprised laughter, or do a double-take, when they find out about it. The number one thing that shocks them? The line item in the budget for rain stopper or pawang hujan. But we’ve actually never done an event without having this ritual performed. To date, it’s never failed us.

What is a rain stopper? A pawang hujan is a traditional practitioner believed to possess the ability to control weather patterns, particularly to prevent rainfall during important events and ceremonies. These weather whisperers are commonly called upon for significant occasions such as weddings, cultural ceremonies, and sporting events where clear skies are desired. The practice has deep historical roots and remains active in various regions of Indonesia, especially in Bali, where pawang hujan are believed to perform specific rituals, prayers, and use sacred mantras or objects to influence atmospheric conditions. In Bali, the practice has been partly replaced by the ‘laser’ spotlight beamed up into the clouds before and during events in an effort to repel the rain.

You most probably will never see the rain stopper at our events. They will be stationed at the venue shrine, quietly doing the rituals required. It’s not a performance, just another piece of the dialogue between humans, the environment and the spiritual realm.

Ibu Dayu, who looks after our spiritual health all year round at the office and offsite, will make decisions of what offerings to make based on the number of shrines, location of the event, and duration of the event. Her most frequently asked questions: ‘is it close to a river?’. If the answer is yes, there are specific types of offerings that must be made.

When we arrive on site for an event, the offerings are one of the first things that follow. Sometimes a member of our team will join in. For us, it’s a way to ensure we’ve done everything we can to make sure the event production goes smoothly, not only on the worldly plane, but the other ones as well.

Behind the design: Ubud Open Studios Attendee Experience

Every year we try our very best to improve attendee experience for Ubud Open Studios. How can attendees best plan their perfect route? How can they learn about what studio has to offer? How can they pick 7 studios from a list of 70?

We know the huge range of studio types, focus and locations can be overwhelming, so we try our very best to offer different ‘doors’ for attendees to step through to access the information they need. We have our Google Map, our social media itineraries and studio profiles, our online art style quiz, our printed maps, our ticket hub printed and display information, our digital catalog, our Studio Showcase, our hub staff ready to answer questions, our Whatsapp hotline, AND our Studio Stewards. Whew! Getting information should never be hard at Ubud Open Studios. Now what you do with that info on the other hand…

1/ This year we re-created/adapted our online art quiz to take a up a whole wall at the ticket hub. An opportunity to get to know yourself better and then pick studios that match your art style. This was a raging success and we had to keep refilling the art-ineraries that people could take with them when they left the hub.

2/ As always, we had our Studio Showcase, which functions as a ‘walk-through catalog’. Attendees can visit the Showcase and see a piece from each participating studio, perhaps discovering a style, artist or craft that they didn’t even know they wanted to see. Then they just had to consult their map to find the location and add to the route!

3/ Of course, sometimes the best way is the hybrid way. The online and printed maps, the catalog, and our very helpful ticket hub team helped hundreds of people during the event. Sometimes all you need is to talk to a human!

Scroll through more of the images from our ticket hub and Studio Showcase.

A meeting of digital artists and collectors: Silk Road in Bali

When we first were contacted to help produce a digital art event, we were intrigued. We’re so used to the very physical art world, one rooted in handmade pieces, brushes covered in paint, ink on paper, or chisel on wood.

The team from Silk Road proceeded to introduce us to an incredible world of digital artists during a five-day gathering where art, technology, and culture collided — starting deep in the jungles of Ubud and moving towards the ocean shores of Seminyak.

Silk Road Chapter 02 / Bali was an exploration of art in the digital age. Under the theme ‘A New Dawn: Art in the Digital Age’, this event brought together leading artists and creators to showcase their work across different mediums – digital screens, physical prints, paintings, and live performances.

Silk Road Bali offers a glimpse into what art looks like today and where it’s headed. Through exhibitions and conversations, the event explored how these shifts impact the wider art world and the way we experience creativity.

Some of the behind-the-scenes moments and setups from the four days of the event below as we went from different locations across the islands, including a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre, a bamboo hall and a discotheque.

Behind the design: Ubud Open Studios 2025

This year our official hero artwork for Ubud Open Studios comes from contemporary Balinese artist NPAAW.

His work is amazing, an explosion of masking tape and spray paint, resulting in square patterns, plus additional surprises. We love how it gives a nod to the traditional open-weave textiles of Bali and the poleng motif, while also being incredibly modern. The added elements of the remnants of the process reflect the mission of Ubud Open Studios to show more than the finished artwork and product.

A subtle game of closed and open, which is a perfect fit for our ‘open studios’! The rich colors and minute details also make it perfect to add interest to event announcements.

10 things any Bali event producer must have

You could start a post like this with words like patience, sense of humor, ability to multitask… but we’re going with things you can buy (yay capitalism!). And things that save our lives at every event.

People don’t often think of the sheer physicality of events, but this is an actual team member’s data from a seven day event period. We do crazy long hours (often in Bali’s brutal heat) constantly moving to deliver the perfect event for clients.

On with the things we can’t live without:

1/ Rehydration salts: this is where you start in the morning, with a big dose of water with electrolytes. After you’ve been on your feet for 12 hours this makes a huge difference to how good you feel and/or the recovery process.

2/ Water bottle: Double insulated and at least 1-liter capacity. Make that two bottles. It can be a long, long times between refills. Fun fact, did you know there are still places in Bali that won’t refill your water bottle?

3/ Sun protection: sunblock (the Korean Joseon sunblock is amazing and sweat proof), sunglasses and hats. We’ve also been known to have umbrellas.

4/ WhatsApp: honestly, how did we do anything before Whatsapp? Every section of the event has a different coordination group. Then there are vendor groups, venue groups, client groups… we should count how many messages it takes to produce an event one day.

5/ Amazing shoes. Sneakers are the only way to go and they better be supportive.

6/ A uniform. So helpful when people don’t know you but need to find you fast or venue security is at the door. P.S. black hides the sweat.

7/ Snack bag: we always have a bag of snacks hidden at an event. We rarely get to sit down and eat so need something fast to keep energy levels up. We have a bag where you can choose your poison. MSG? check. Granola bar? check. Apples? Done.

8/ Battery pack: how to sabotage an event? make sure no one can recharge their phone. Game over. We love our big battery packs that are illegal to pack in your airplane luggage.

9/ Sling bag or phone strap: We usually need our hands to be free, but also need to carry around all of the above, so phone strap or sling bag is vital.

10/ The Event Bible: this is everything. The rundown from days before the event to the breaking down of an event. It’s is in print and digital format and is in everyone’s hands for when your brain stops working but you need to know what’s next. Clipboard optional.

The launch of Bali Macet at Titik Dua

In the Bali Macet exhibition, Dodit Artawan captures the vibrant pulse of Bali's iconic traffic jams (macet) through a fusion of meticulous pointillism and explosive pop art. This series is not merely a celebration of Bali's roadside culture but a commentary on the intersection of consumerism, globalization, and the fetishization of everyday objects. The exhibition was at Titik Dua from March 1-16th 2025.

The exhibit also marks the launch of the Bali Macet Playing Card Deck, a collaboration between the artist and Toko Elami. Each card in this deck is a window into the controlled chaos of the island's streets, where the back ends of motorbikes, cement mixers, and overloaded pick-up trucks become canvases for storytelling.

The artist draws inspiration from a rich tapestry of artistic giants—Van Gogh's rhythmic lines, David Hockney's bold colors, Roy Lichtenstein's static lines and Ben-Day dots, Edward Ruscha's graphic text, and Jonas Wood's flat planes of color. Yet, the work is distinctly its own, rooted in the visual language of Bali's streets and the artist's observation of daily life. From the mobile warung eateries to trucks bursting with kitchen utensils, each scene is a snapshot of Bali's vehicle culture.

At its core, this series is a critique of contemporary consumerism and its allure. The artist explores how mass-produced objects—plastic products, street food stalls, and overloaded motorcycles—shape our perceptions and desires. By fetishizing these objects, the work reveals the irrationality and hedonism of a society driven by consumer culture. Yet, there is also a sense of celebration here, a recognition of the creativity and resilience of individuals navigating this globalized world. The artist appropriates the aesthetics of consumerism, using bright colors and rhythmic lines to both critique and honor the lifestyle it represents.

The technique itself is a meditation on process and precision. Each line and dot is carefully placed, creating a visual rhythm that draws the viewer in. Up close, the tremor of the artist's hand is visible, a testament to the physicality and intimacy of the creative act. The interplay of lines and dots becomes a metaphor for the interconnectedness of modern life, where individual choices ripple out to shape the whole.

Bali Macet is more than a deck of cards or a series of paintings—it is an invitation to see the world differently. It challenges us to find art and joy in the everyday, to question the forces that shape our desires, and to celebrate the vibrant, chaotic beauty of life in motion. Through this work, the artist reminds us that even in the midst of traffic, there is poetry.

In terms of aesthetic, I am interested in consumer products packaging with all the shapes, alluring design and colors. I like seeing objects (industrial products) displayed in shops on the sidewalk, plastic products with bright colors, small stalls, food stalls, retail shops, mini marts, street food, repair shops, souvenirs. I like the composition, how they displayed the products, on the floor, on the wall, on a glass shelf, stacked up so high, or hanging from the ceiling. How people carry their stuff overloaded by motorcycle or in pickup trucks on the road. In my work I use ordinary objects, domestic objects, daily life objects to express and communicate the social issues in my neighborhood where I live.

Get to know: Dodit Artawan, artist and observer

We chat with Dodit Artawan as we are about to launch our Toko Elami x Dodit Artawan Bali Macet Playing Cards. Dodit Artawan, a Bali-born artist, challenges traditional expectations of Balinese art with his unique and vibrant creations. Using paint markers, he transforms common sights from Bali's streets and everyday domestic objects into colorful, intricate works of art. Artawan's pieces are characterized by meticulous lines and dots, with each object featuring detailed etchings.

Your work often features everyday objects from Bali's streets. How do you choose which items to focus on in your art?

From an aesthetic perspective, I am interested in consumer products, their packaging design and their colors. I like to see objects (industrial products) displayed in shops on the side of the road, such as plastic products with bright colors, grocery stores, mini marts, food stalls, repair shops, souvenirs, street food, retail shops. I like how they display their merchandise, piled up on the floor, all the way to the sidewalk, stacked in glass cabinets, on the walls or hanging on the ceiling.

Likewise with the phenomenon of how people carry excessive goods (overloaded) on motorbikes or pick-up cars. Which we often encounter in road traffic jams, unique and interesting in terms of composition, very aesthetic, but it’s dangerous when you’re on the road.

I'm just trying to adopt to how modern society has become dominated by consumerism. People are celebrated for participating in this consumer culture, where shopping and material pleasures are almost impossible to resist. This consumer-driven and hedonistic lifestyle is both addictive and intoxicating. My observations are as commentary on how globalization has led local cultures to embrace foreign influences, thus displacing their own culture.

Can you walk us through your creative process, from selecting an object to completing a piece?

The creative process comes from the habit of seeing random things on the street, from people's daily activities or random things on the internet. Sometimes I take photos using my phone camera, or from the internet just as a reference. But for the purposes of composition in the works, I use my imagination to adjust to my wishes based on ideas or concepts that have been stored in my memory. Sometimes through some initial sketches on paper.

How has growing up in Bali influenced your artistic style, particularly your use of color and intricate patterns?

Nah ini… intricate patterns, this is one of the strong characteristics of the Balinese people, ingrained in the flesh, passed down from generation to generation, without realizing it has become part of the subconscious hahaha ...

In my opinion, technical skill and perseverance are strong characteristics of Balinese artists, so its not only from the aspect of themes, such as themes with narratives for the greater good, full of philosophy, mythology, religious rituals and other traditional elements, like most of the themes raised by Balinese artists in general. But more to the essence and visual behavior, which tends to be complicated, detailed, diligent and requires high skills.

You've mentioned using art to communicate social issues in your neighborhood. Can you give an example of a specific piece and the issue it addresses?

I use domestic and daily life objects as my subject matters to express and communicate the social and environmental issues in my neighborhood, such as people's habit of throwing rubbish carelessly in public places, in gutters, on empty land. Using sidewalks for selling, parking or, most commonly, placing business signs, shop stalls, or garages. And the behavior of people on the highway who like to violate traffic regulations, including me, as well as the chaotic and messy infrastructure which has become a common everyday sight. But I try to show it in visual language in a cheerful, colorful, joyful and not gloomy way. Even though in reality many things are gloomy and stressful.

How do you balance creating art that's true to your vision with the expectations people might have of "Balinese art"?

I have always been asked the question, why aren’t your paintings ‘Bali’? They’re really not Balinese? A general question from local art lovers, especially those from outside Bali. Because they read that Bali is exotic and traditional. Like the ‘Balinese Art’ which is generally known. It's as if all Balinese artists are like that, uniform and there are no contemporary artists in Bali. I don't really like that stereotype. In fact, all the themes in my paintings are all phenomena that occur in Bali, perhaps a slightly different perspective from Balinese artists in general. I paint what I like, whatever I want. That’s the real luxury in life as an artist.

Which artists or art movements have had the biggest impact on your work?

There are several pop artists who inspired my latest series of line rhythm works, such as static lines, repetitive diagonals and dots, from Roy Lichtenstein; to bright color from David Hockney; text, graphics, and word art from Edward Ruscha; and younger pop artists such as Jonas Wood’s flat lines and colors. So Pop Art is the most influential and has the biggest impact in my artworks.

Your use of paint markers is quite distinctive. What drew you to this medium, and how does it shape your artistic expression?

It feels more fun. After over two decades of mixing colors with brushes and taking a long time to finish each painting, layer by layer, doing all the details carefully, I felt so numb. Using paint markers makes me excited to paint, it feels happy and joyful. Making line rhythm drawings with bright colors, from using acrylic paint markers, to choosing a subject matter is all connected with the characteristics of colors. Focuses attention on the individual line and the intervals between them. The lines and dots in relationship to the whole painting. Lines and dots are the main visual elements in my painting. If you come closer to my painting then you can feel the tremor of the hand and the muscle behind it.

How do you see your art evolving in the future? Are there new techniques or themes you're excited to explore?

Usually an artist's works develop and change with the times, and represent the spirit of the era. For technique, there are still many media that I am interested in exploring and experimenting with in the future, such as pastels, crayons, colored pencils, oil sticks. Likewise, the themes will change over time.

I hope my artworks will draw value from their period of time. Even when my artworks have surpassed many generations.

If you could display your artwork anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

MoMA, The Museum of Modern Art, New York. One of the most influential museums in the world and the largest collection of contemporary art.

Introducing Bali Macet: Playing Cards illustrated by Dodit Artawan

We’re passionate about co-creating with local artists for our store Toko Elami. We’re very proud to introduce Bali Macet playing cards, featuring original artwork by Dodit Artawan. This exclusive collaboration will launch in early 2025. Bali Macet is our 5th (!!) art game and second deck of playing cards, a sister to the Gumi Bali playing cards illustrated by Rumantra.

About Bali Macet Playing Cards

Trapped in traffic? Deal yourself into the dazzling world of Bali's most iconic roadside scenes. Each card in this deck celebrates the controlled chaos of the island's legendary traffic jams (macet), transformed into explosive pop art through meticulous pointillism and eye-popping color. Get very familiar with the back end of Bali’s vehicles, from the rear-view of the motorbike egg seller to the ever-present cement mixer, to the pick-up piled high with gas tanks. Every vehicle is rendered in hundreds of tiny dots that pulse with electric blues, hot pinks, and sunset oranges. The artist's keen eye captures those perfect moments of gridlock glory: a truck bursting with kitchen utensils, the mobile warung eatery, or a bus filled with tourists on a mission. More than just a deck of cards, it's a handful of Bali's vibrant vehicle culture, where even being stuck in traffic is a work of art.

The artist has hand drawn all the suit symbols and the attention to detail on each vehicle is amazing. Definitely a feast of color in the hidden gems of Bali’s roadside sights.

About the artist

Dodit Artawan, a Bali-born artist, challenges traditional expectations of Balinese art with his unique and vibrant creations. Using paint markers, he transforms common sights from Bali's streets and everyday domestic objects into colorful, intricate works of art. Artawan's pieces are characterized by meticulous lines and dots, with each object featuring detailed etchings. Rather than catering to the picture-perfect tourist images often associated with Bali, he draws inspiration from the realities of daily life, using domesticity to explore and communicate social issues in his neighborhood. Artawan's approach is summed up in his statement, "Just because I am from Bali, it doesn't mean that I have to paint like those pictures on postcards for tourists".

Artawan studied fine art at the Indonesian Art Institute Denpasar Bali and started his art career in 2011. Dodit is an artist whose focus is on the breakaway from the dominance of traditional Balinese art on the art scene in order to seek new expressions for contemporary art in Bali. Dodit Artawan has been widely exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Italy and the USA. Dodit won the prestigious Bronze Award at the IWS Malaysia 1st International Watercolour Biennale (KL) in 2018.

Introducing Everyday Bali: A Sticker Collection illustrated by Michellaneous

We are so proud to have team member Michellina Suminto step into the spotlight with her beautiful illustrations transformed into stickers for Toko Elami! "Everyday Bali" emerged from the keen observational eye and artistic spirit of illustrator Michellaneous (her nom-de-plume), who has totally captured the vibrant essence of Balinese street life.

This sticker collection celebrates the often-overlooked details (IYKYK) that make Bali so charming – the humble warung signs, the colorful kites dancing against blue skies, and the graceful penjors that line the streets during festivals. Each of the 78 stickers was hand-drawn, transforming funny moments and common sights from Ubud's bustling streets. The collection, presented across 13 sheets of laminated matte paper, serves as a portable gallery of Bali's daily life, allowing Bali fans to carry and share pieces of the island's character wherever they go. Stick on souvenirs if we may say! Ready for your computer, phone, helmet, or wherever your heart (and eye) desires.

And of course we will have merch! Keep an eye out to see if your favorite stciker makes in on a t-shirt or bag.

Behind the design: Custom gifts and merchandise for events and brands

We’ve been lucky to work with several brands and events over the past years to create custom and branded gifts for their clients or event attendees. Elami Productions transforms moments into lasting memories through immersive event experiences in Bali. Building on our expertise in event design and production, we now extend our vision to bespoke gifts and merchandise that tell your Bali story. Whether for a special room drop, event gift bag, or an attendee present that is part of the event experience, we can make suggestions to find your perfect match.

We offer a few different options, including branding our existing designs, or starting from scratch. Below is an example of an existing design branded by a Uluwatu hotel called Asa Maia for guests gifts.

Working with Bali's finest artisans, we create customized pieces that honor local craftsmanship while meeting contemporary design sensibilities for corporate gifts.

Above all we value:

- Authentic cultural connections

- Sustainable production practices

- Artisanal quality

- Innovative design

- Community impact

Below is a Balinese tridatu bracelet made with sterling silver clasp and charm with a stamped company logo. This was handmade by traditional Balinese silversmiths to give to guests attending an incentive event.

From concept to creation, each piece reflects our deep understanding of Bali's rich artistic heritage and our clients' contemporary visions. Whether designing for an intimate gathering or a grand corporate event, we ensure every element – from the event experience of receiving the gift to the take-home pieces – weaves together seamlessly.

Our merchandise range include:

- Custom-designed and branded event keepsakes

- Limited edition collaborative pieces

- Branded merchandise that tells your story

- Event-specific commemorative items

Below is a handmade paper and wood fan with original prints featuring a company-specific pattern and branded on the edge of the fan with the company logo.

It’s not just the gift, but how it’s presented to the guest. below is a traditional weaving loom set up at an event where guests could see how the traditional Balinese scarf they received was made in front of their eyes, making it more meaningful and memorable.

Drawing on our established relationships within Bali's creative community and our experience working with international brands, our merchandise and gifts resonate with both local and global audiences. Each project is approached with our famed attention to detail and commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every item not only delights its recipient but also honors Bali's artistic legacy and natural resources.

With Elami Productions, your event story continues long after the last guest departs, living on through thoughtfully crafted pieces that capture the essence of your special moment in Bali.