Advice from Indonesia – avoid the rainy season!

Tell us briefly about the trip you took, how it came about, what you did while you were there?

In the summer of 2013, I was asked by the British Council to visit the Indonesian Performing Arts Market (IPAM) to look at the Indonesian talent on display, with a view to looking at how performing arts centres and festivals in the UK could programme Indonesian work. In particular, to look at how Wales Millennium Centre could, in the future, programme suitable product as part of its international programming. IPAM is a three-day event, which takes place in Jakarta. It gives delegates the chance to see performances by a wide variety of Indonesian artists and companies performing from a range of genres. In addition, there were opportunities to engage with these artists to discuss how they could raise their ambitions to tour internationally.

What did you learn from the trip, what did you bring home?

Indonesia is a country rich in culture and talent; however there is a definite lack of international touring experience amongst the majority of artists and artistic companies. For a country of its size, the domestic touring market is under-developed and lacks the infrastructure needed. That said this does not hold Indonesia back; it offers the opportunity for Indonesia to take the best of Indonesia to the world, to show people in other countries the richness of their talent and diversity, and to take "brand Indonesia" out into the world to increase its reputation.

Is there a UK-based idea or practice that could usefully be exported?

There is a whole variety of potential UK arts exports to Indonesia, not least in terms of expertise to help Indonesia and its developing arts community elevate itself on to the world stage. In discussions with the Ministry of Culture, officials welcomed advice and support. They are keen to see more work visit their country and to explore opportunities for Indonesia to take to the world stage.

How has the trip impacted on your work/life/thinking?

Indonesia is the most diverse country in the world that I have ever visited. The rest of the world could learn a lot about how different religions and culture co-exist alongside each other in harmony.

What would you do if you went back?

I would want to take the time to travel further than just Jakarta to see more of what the country has to offer, to visit its many islands – after all it is the largest archipelago in the world, with over 17,500 islands.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with UK colleagues about the trip/country?

Avoid the rainy season, as it certainly does rain! The traffic congestion in the city is legendary but the government is working on a mass transit system to improve matters. Also, bear in mind that in Indonesia everyone works on “rubber time”, as it can certainly stretch...

David Pearce, Strategy Director at Wales Millennium Centre, visited the Indonesian Performing Arts Market with the support of the British Council. You can follow David on Twitter @DPMumbles, and follow @UKTheatreDance for all the latest news, blogs and opportunities from the British Council Theatre and Dance team.