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Senior artisans receive awards
Nine senior Balinese artisans have received awards from the provincial administration for their dedication in preserving and exploring local culture
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ine senior Balinese artisans have received awards from the provincial administration for their dedication in preserving and exploring local culture.
The award winners were Ida Bagus Rai Widjana, a dancer from Tabanan; I Ketut Wijana, a musician of traditional gamelan (karawitan) from Denpasar; I Nyoman Rede a poet from Jembrana; Desak Ketut Tirtawati, a dancer from Klungkung; I Ketut Runa, a poet from Karangasem; I Wayan Nartha, a puppeteer from Gianyar; as well as karawitan musicians I Made Gelomoh from Badung, Putu Selamat from Buleleng and I Desa Gede Anom from Bangli.
The awards were presented on Monday by Bali Deputy Governor Anak Agung Ngurah Puspayoga during the month-long Bali Art Festival in the Ksirarnawa building in the Art Center, Denpasar.
The winners each received Rp 6 million in cash and a trophy.
"This award represents our honor and gratitude for the artists' meritorious efforts in preserving Balinese culture," Puspayoga said.
"It is because of their efforts we can now enjoy the beauty of our art and culture," he said, adding that they were a source of inspiration for younger artists.
"Young artists should make the most of their time to learn from their seniors, so that they can move forward in developing the nation's culture."
One of the recipients, Desak Ketut Tirtawati, said she was very honored to receive the award. The dancer born in Pekandelan hamlet in Klungkung, 62 years ago, emphasized that her efforts to improve traditional dance had been fruitful.
Tirtawati has trained hundreds of young dancers at her dancing studio Tirta Pudja. Despite that she is now in her 60's, Tirtawati continues to teach young dancers at her studio.
"For me, dancing is a call from my conscience. And I do this to preserve our culture and relieve the stress of our daily routine," she said.
Seventy-seven-year-old I Made Gelomoh is well-known as a multitalented artist, especially in drama gong and gong kebyar.
While he has not had a formal education, Made's contribution in culture is undeniable.
In his 50 years of dedication to the local culture, Gelomoh has also taught dozens of youth art groups in Badung, Tabanan and Gianyar.
Prominent puppeteer I Wayan Nartha, 69, has been performing since he was just 25 years old in social activities and rituals.
Wayan, born in Babakan hamlet in Gianyar, also shares his knowledge with Bali's younger generation, not only in Gianyar but also in several villages across the island.
