A dynamic celebration where paper transforms into a powerful medium of ideas, dialogue, and contemporary artistic expression

Art Jakarta has officially launched its first program of the year with the inaugural edition of Art Jakarta Papers 2026. This new initiative marks an important step in expanding the scope of its artistic presentations, placing a special focus on paper as a medium that has long played a vital role in artistic practice.

The opening ceremony was enlivened by a performance from TRUST Orchestra, the largest community orchestra in Jakarta, which recently won the Gold Medal at the World Orchestra Festival 2025. Presented by TRUST Collective, the performance created a warm and celebratory atmosphere that reflected the collaborative spirit behind the event.

The inauguration was attended by Minister of Culture Fadli Zon, Vice Minister of Culture Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, and officials from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia. In support of cross ministerial collaboration to strengthen the creative economy and cultural industries, representatives from the Ministry of Creative Economy were also present, including the Director of Visual Arts and Performing Arts. Their presence reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s visual arts ecosystem.

As host, Paramitha Soedarjo, Director of MRA Media, together with Hafidh Ahmad Irfanda, VIP Relations Director of Art Jakarta, welcomed invited guests and key partners, including representatives from Sucor Asset Management and BCA. The involvement of these partners highlights a collective effort to nurture a more established and dynamic art ecosystem at both local and regional levels.

Held over four consecutive days until 8 February 2026 at City Hall, Pondok Indah Mall 3, Art Jakarta Papers brings together 28 galleries from Indonesia and across Asia. Each gallery presents works centered on paper as a medium. In addition to gallery exhibitions, the program features solo presentations in the form of installations and paper based artworks by several Indonesian artists. A series of specially curated discussions also explores the significance of paper in contemporary visual art practices.

In his remarks, Hafidh Ahmad Irfanda shared that the idea of organizing an exhibition dedicated specifically to paper based artworks began during the pandemic. After several years of discussion and preparation, the inaugural edition has finally been realized, made possible through the continued trust and support of many parties who believe in Art Jakarta as an evolving art platform.

For more than 15 years, Art Jakarta has grown with the support of MRA Media as its initiator. Through Art Jakarta Papers, MRA Media aims to create a platform that not only celebrates artistic works but also opens wider dialogue within Indonesia’s visual arts community. By highlighting paper, the initiative encourages the public to rediscover the richness and potential of this medium in contemporary art.

Often considered a secondary medium, paper in fact plays a fundamental role in artistic processes, from the exploration of ideas to the development of visual knowledge. Today, paper based works appear in diverse forms, including drawings, prints, illustrations, photography, installations, and archive based practices. Through Art Jakarta Papers, paper is positioned at the forefront as part of an ongoing effort to expand and strengthen a more diverse and sustainable visual arts ecosystem.