I

t was a rewarding volunteer project for a group of young people promoting Indonesian folk arts worldwide.

The group of six were part of the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV) Indonesia Youth Section, which had sent dozens of local art groups to join international festivals around the world since March 2009.

This year alone, the IOV sent 16 groups abroad. Not only to booking festivals, they have included a junior high school traditional dance group competing in Turkey. The dance group won first place out of 19 countries.

IOV Indonesia Youth Section president Andris Adhitra said all the activities and accommodations during the festivals or congresses were funded by the IOV, but participants had to get themselves there. For example in purchasing plane tickets, whether they are self-funded or sponsors-funded.

So how does the IOV find the groups? Andris said that they often went to folk competitions. They directly contact the winners and do background checks. There are also groups sending them proposals.

Visiting IOV World president Carmen Padilla said that the organizational goal was not only to promote folk arts such as storytelling, children’s games, crafts, music, dance, costuming and weaving and textiles, but also to assist folk art research. Therefore, IOV members include not only artists and international relations people but also professors.

The independent IOV, which was originally called the International Organisation Volkenvurst, was established in 1979 in Belgium and is registered under Austrian law. Now it is acknowledged by UNESCO as well.

“The purpose of this organization primarily is to bring countries and different cultures together so that there will be better understanding of other cultures. Through the festivals, congresses and other events, [the IOV] has brought harmony among countries,” Padilla said during an IOV dialogue and performance event called “Celebrate Differences and Similarities” at @america in Pacific Place in Jakarta, on Oct. 28.

Performing in the event was Kencana Pradipa, an art group of Psychology department from the University of Indonesia that just returned from the United States, where they performed 12 different traditional dances.

They also shared their experiences during the cultural tour there. Another performance was presented by Bireun Seudati from Pelita Harapan University, which will tour the United States in 2012.

IOV Indonesia is currently looking for people who can supervise children’s groups and accompany them overseas. There will be training before the duty, but if you cannot fly abroad to enjoy the world of folk arts, they will conduct an international IOV festival in Indonesia in November 2012.