Paripurna Arts Studio Bona: A Center of Artistic Creativity in the Heart of Blahbatuh, Gianyar
Paripurna Arts Studio was established on April 1, 1990, as a place for preserving and developing Balinese arts and culture across various fields. The studio plays an important role in nurturing the younger generation and producing creative works showcased at local, national, and international stages. Under the leadership of I Made Sidia, the studio has continued to grow with hundreds of members, upholding traditional values while actively contributing to social and ritual activities in Balinese society.
Amid the life of Balinese society, deeply rooted in traditions and rituals, emerges a creative space that serves as a center for preserving and developing cultural arts. Paripurna Arts Studio Bona, founded on April 1, 1990, in Bona Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar, is an artistic hub born from the vision of the late multitalented artist I Made Sidja. Sparked by his passion to provide space for the younger generation, the studio has grown into a vibrant center of artistic activity that not only safeguards ancestral heritage but also presents innovative works on the world stage.
Paripurna Arts Studio Bona (Source: Personal Collection)
After speaking directly with the owner of the studio, Mr. I Made Sidia, it was revealed that the name Paripurna carries a profound philosophy. According to him, Paripurna signifies totality, completeness (multi-art), as well as both beginning and end. This philosophy is reflected in the learning process at the studio, which teaches the arts in a holistic way—from the basics such as mask-making to their final expression in dance. In addition, the studio provides space for various fields, including gamelan, dance, puppetry, and visual arts, allowing anyone who studies here to develop their skills in a comprehensive manner.
Gamelan Practice Session (Source: Personal Collection)
The achievements of Paripurna Arts Studio are recognized not only in Bali but also on the international stage. Some of its notable performances include Bali Agung Theater at Bali Safari & Marine Park, Kecak Dance in Berlin (2013), the electric shadow play Yudistira Becomes the King in China (2014), and representing Indonesia at EXPO Dubai 2000. According to Mr. Sidia, the studio’s three main pillars are preserving classical Balinese dance, developing traditions to remain relevant, and creating innovative new works.
Beyond performances, Paripurna Arts Studio is also active in building collaborations. Many students from abroad, including Europe, Australia, and Singapore, come to learn here. Collaborations with various institutions, schools, and art communities are also strongly established, making the studio one of the key representatives of Balinese arts on the global stage.
Learning Activity by Mr. I Made Sidia (Source: Personal Collection)
Looking ahead, Paripurna Arts Studio aspires to continue growing with better facilities to nurture professional artists. Today, the studio even has a complete collection of gamelan, including five barungan sets and Javanese gongs. From the heart of Blahbatuh, Gianyar, Paripurna Arts Studio Bona continues to establish itself as a center of artistic creativity that preserves tradition while bringing Bali to the world stage.
