With support from the California Arts Council, Gamelan Sekar Jaya will share Balinese performing arts with Bay Area communities through free public performances, classes & in-depth artistic interaction in a project entitled ”Sareng” (Together). Rooted in the principles of cooperation & harmony central to Balinese artistic practice, “Sareng” will bring together a diverse cross-section of the Bay Area population to foster intercultural understanding & celebrate a sense of shared humanity.
Direct artistic interaction is key to GSJ’s unique programming. Many of Bali’s most renowned performing artists have joined GSJ for extended residencies over the past 40 years. The artist-in-residence program is the only US program outside of a university or consulate to regularly host Balinese artists for extended residencies, making it an important resource for the public. Artists-in-residence share their artistic skills, experience, and creativity with these shared goals: direct artistic interaction with performers, students, and audiences; dissemination of major works from the living tradition of Balinese arts; enriching historical, cultural, and artistic understanding in a setting emphasizing artistic excellence and mutual respect. GSJ has presented hundreds of concerts locally and internationally, and each year GSJ introduces thousands of children, youth and adults to Balinese arts and culture through classes, school programs, and other outreach activities.