Yogyakarta has always had a unique way of celebrating art and culture. Each year, this cultural city transforms into a vibrant hub for visual arts, offering not only stunning exhibitions but also deep reflections on life’s essential values. In 2025, three major art events are set to return, each bringing fresh perspectives and thought-provoking concepts.
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From the iconic ARTJOG, to KAMI ADA (an art collective showcase by artists from Kalibawang and Samigaluh), and the expansive, city-wide celebration of Yogyakarta Art Weeks, here’s everything you need to know.
ARTJOG
A cornerstone of the Indonesian art calendar, ARTJOG returns in 2025 with the theme “Motif: Amalan” (translated as “Motif: Practice”). Running from June 20 to August 31, 2025, at the Jogja National Museum, this year’s edition invites visitors to explore the connection between moral values and artistic aesthetics. The theme is presented with bold yet accessible visuals, making ARTJOG 2025 a deeply reflective and emotionally resonant experience.
Beyond its impressive artworks, ARTJOG offers a range of supporting programs, including performa•ARTJOG, Curatorial Tours, and interactive Meet the Artist sessions. The inclusive LoveARTJOG program creates accessible experiences for people with disabilities, while Artcare Indonesia fosters social contribution through art.
ARTJOG welcomes younger audiences through an Open Call for artists under 35 and the ARTJOG Kids program, designed for children aged 6–15. Altogether, it continues to grow as an inclusive and progressive space that embraces diverse creative voices.
KAMI ADA by Perupa Kalibawang dan Samigaluh
Running from June 1 to August 31, 2025, at Sedap Kota in Kulon Progo, the exhibition KAMI ADA is a powerful collective expression by artists from the Kalibawang and Samigaluh regions, united under the PERKASA art community. This platform highlights how artists from peripheral areas are shaping Yogyakarta’s contemporary art narrative.
Through visual art and craft, participating artists convey local identity, cultural values, and real-life stories from their communities. Presented with honesty and raw visual strength, KAMI ADA is more than just an art exhibition, it is a statement of presence, resilience, and the power of artistic expression from often-overlooked voices.
Jogja Art Weeks
As one of the largest art festivals in the city, Jogja Art Weeks 2025 is poised to energize Yogyakarta with a diverse range of contemporary art experiences. Taking place from June 1 to August 31, 2025, the festival spans venues across the city, featuring local and international artists in a series of exhibitions and interactive programs that create a dynamic, inclusive atmosphere.
Highlights include the thought-provoking exhibition “No One is Safe Until Everyone is Free” (June 2 – July 2), which tackles themes of freedom and humanity. Meanwhile, “ART IS ALL AROUND” showcases works from local art communities through mid-July. Another major feature, “CONVERGENCE”, presents an international collaboration including artists like Ch’ng Kiah Kiean, running from June 20 to August 31.
With its strong themes, interdisciplinary approaches, and global reach, Jogja Art Weeks 2025 reinforces Yogyakarta’s identity as a living, breathing center of contemporary art.
A Celebration Beyond the Visual
The upcoming art exhibitions in Yogyakarta throughout 2025 are more than visual showcases, they’re a celebration of creativity, identity, and humanity. From the introspective tone of ARTJOG to the community-centered KAMI ADA and the global conversations sparked at Jogja Art Weeks, these events reflect a thriving art scene that continues to evolve and inspire.