Workshop by Taring Padi:

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Taring Padi

Founding History

Taring Padi is an independent organization that operates in the field of art and culture. On the 21st December 1998, Taring Padi declared its Cultural Manifesto, which expresses fervent opposition to the art for art doctrine through both, state and private institutions, throughout the New Order period in Indonesia.

Taring Padi feels the people of Indonesia are oppressed not only in the fields of economy and politics, but the cultural sector as well, in that their right for creative expression in order to create and develop and self determine their own culture has been repressed.

For Taring Padi, art is at once a media and a weapon for art workers to express their ideas to the people. Taring Padi defines its role as the rebuilding of a peoples culture, and advocates a united conception of People-Orientated Art (Seni Kerakyatan), Taring Padi's measure for social commitment emphasizes popular consciousness and the importance of siding with the people.

Basis, Aim and Mission of Taring Padi

Taring Padi is founded on the principle of the People's Democracy. Their aim is to materialize the reality of a People's Democracy, which is defined as social prosperity, democratic justice, which is at once ecological and autonomous in cultural practice. Through art works and cultural work, Taring Padi aims to produce a way of life within art and culture that opens opportunities for the wishes, needs and aspirations of the people with the development of a progressive critical attitude that can offer solutions in support of the people. The mission of Taring Padi is to develop art and culture within the needs and aspirations of the people and to prioritize openness, social prosperity, sovereignty, equality between generations, democracy, the respect for Human Rights without sidelining the duty as living beings, gender equality, reformation of global relationships, anti-discrimination and the development of a positive living environment.

Activities

Since its declaration, Taring Padi has been active in cultural activities both independently and in co-ordination with other organizations. Taring Padi is also active in various committees for actions that struggle for democracy and social justice held in Yogyakarta, Jakarta and other cities.

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