Artisans helped to market artwork

A number of hotels in Bali have started to provide free space for local artisans to display and sell their artwork as part of their effort to promote Balinese crafts.

Nengah Harka, a wood carver, has been selling his creations at one of the Bale Bengong (open pavilion) at Sanur Beach Hotel in Sanur since the early 1990s.

Harka also teaches the hotel’s guests the process of carving wood to become a piece of art.

“Sometimes, I organize an art workshop for those who are really eager to learn about wood carving,” said the Tabanan artisan.

Harka said he was grateful that the hotel management had allowed him to sell his art work there.

“They [the management] have never charged me anything—either for the space or commission on the sales of my art works,” he said.

Harka said that many of the hotel guests had become his faithful customers, as well as art students.

“Most guests at Sanur Beach Hotel are repeaters,” he said.

Luck also went to Dewa Bawa, an artisan from Gianyar regency.

The management of Nikko Bali Hotel in Nusa Dua has given him the opportunity to occupy one corner of the hotel’s lobby to display his art works since 2008.

Bawa’s art corner opens from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. selling a large variety of statues, sculptures and other pieces.

“Many times, we bring the hotel guests to our workshop in Gianyar to see more of the art works,” he said

The Nikko Bali management has also invited artisans from neighboring villages in Sawangan and Nusa Dua to promote their products during the hotel’s Cultural Nights program.

Aini Zairah, the public relations officer of Nikko Bali Hotel, said that such activities were part of the hotel’s corporate social responsibility program to empower local communities in the fields of arts, small-scale business
and education.

“The cultural nights display everything about Bali—arts and culture, as well as cuisine,” Aini said.

Aini also added that every Friday night, the hotel held a live-art performance called “Legong Night.