Founded by Jasmine and Dibal Ranuh in 2015, Kita Poleng is a Balinese performance art and activist duo known for artful choreography that reworks and renews ancient Balinese rituals. Working across dance, film and multimedia installation, Jasmine and Dibal have reframed the foundations of traditional dance, using its language in contemporary art and activism.

How did you meet, and what brought you together to create Kita Poleng?

Our paths crossed because of our mutual love for the arts. Though we come from different backgrounds, we complement each other’s skills perfectly. Jasmine is currently working as a choreographer and production director in Kitapoleng, while Dibal is an accomplished film and art director. This dynamic duo brings a unique perspective to the creative process, resulting in stunning performances and an equally captivating art films. With the support of our talented management team, Wendra and Pranita, we are always confident in our ability to create something truly exceptional.

How would you translate Kitapoleng, and what is the aim of your organisation?

At Kitapoleng, we believe in the power of creativity to drive innovation in the arts. Our philosophy is inspired by Bali’s poleng, which represents the concept of Rwa Bhineda or duality. Despite our differences, we strive to find balance and harmony in our creative endeavours. With kita, meaning “us” in Indonesian, we provide a platform for artists from different backgrounds to come together and collaborate. Our goal is to create cohesive and impactful works of art that reflect our shared vision of the world. Through our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the arts. Join us on this journey towards creative excellence.

Is Kitapoleng also a commercial organisation?

Kitapoleng is not only a commercial organisation for entertainment and production houses but also a foundation that supports our friends with disabilities, especially those who are deaf and mute in Bali. As an organisation, we believe in the importance of giving back to our community and empowering those who are often marginalized. Our foundation aims to provide opportunities and resources to help individuals with disabilities to thrive and reach their full potential. We believe that everyone should have access to the arts and the ability to express themselves creatively, regardless of their abilities. By combining our commercial and philanthropic efforts, we hope to make a positive impact on the community and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Why did you choose a specific focus on disability in Bali, rather than other causes?

We understand that disabilities can often be viewed as limitations, but through the power of art, we believe that these limitations can be broken down. By giving our community the opportunity to express themselves through the arts, they can develop their skills, build their confidence and self-esteem, and break free from the stigma that is often associated with disabilities. We are proud to provide a space where everyone can feel included, and we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts. We believe that everyone has unique strengths and talents, and we are dedicated to helping our community unlock their full potential through the power of creativity.

Jasmine, tell us how you became a dancer, and what your journey has been like?

My career journey in dance started with Balinese dance and eventually led me to learn about all forms of traditional Indonesian art before shifting my focus to contemporary dance. Currently, my focus is on researching and developing teaching methods for friends with disabilities, particularly those who are deaf or have physical disabilities.

Dibal, where is he from, and how did he become fascinated with the performing arts?

Dibal, originally from Singaraja Bali, has been drawn to the arts since he was a child. He grew up watching various art performances and started experimenting with street art with fellow artists in Jakarta during the 1997 Jakarta protests. He has always been involved in maestro art performances in Indonesia, which has taught him a lot about performing arts and art films. Dibal’s diverse experiences have shaped his artistic career and continue to influence his work today.

What do you have planned for KitaPoleng in 2023-24?

For the past eight years, our focus has been on creating unique and impactful works of art. Our goal is to showcase these works on the international stage. However, throughout our journey, we have faced a challenge in finding suitable rehearsal spaces. Without our own studio, we have had to rely on various locations to create and perfect our art.

We recognize that having our own studio is crucial for us to continue our creative pursuits and reach our full potential. With a dedicated space, we can hone our craft, collaborate more efficiently, and truly express ourselves through our art. Our plan for this year is to establish our own studio, and we ask for your support and well wishes as we work towards this goal. We believe that with a home of our own, we can continue to create and inspire for years to come.

How can we get involved with Kita Poleng?

You can get involved by becoming a sponsor, volunteer, or participant in our events and programs. We offer a wide range of opportunities for individuals and organisations to support our mission and contribute to the development of the arts in Bali and beyond. If you are interested, you can visit our social media pages to learn more about our upcoming events and initiatives, or you can contact us directly. We welcome any form of support, whether it’s through donations, collaborations, or simply spreading the word about our work.

We believe that art belongs to everyone, including our friends with physical disabilities. As an organisation that cares about equality and inclusivity, we invite individuals with a wide network to support our mission.

One of the things we need right now is assistance in finding a suitable training space for our deaf friends. Due to our limited funding for studios and facilities, any help from you would be greatly appreciated! This would provide our deaf friends with a decent place to develop their talents in the art world.

We also dream of bringing our deaf friends to international performances in the future. However, to achieve this, we need more extensive support and networks. If you have a network with art communities abroad, we would be grateful to collaborate with you.

With the help and support of friends who care about inclusion and equality, we believe that our dream of creating an inclusive art space for our deaf friends can be realized.

IG: @kitapolengbali

FB: @kitapoleng