CULTURE HOUSE
ABOUT
BABARAN SEGARAGUNUNG CULTURE HOUSE
Babaran Segaragunung (BSG) Culture House
To explain the journey of how Babaran Segaragunung Culture House started, we first need to meet Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam. Ismoyo and Nia are both textile artists who focus their work on the medium of batik under the name Brahma Tirta Sari. They are renowned for their intricate and philosophical batiks and installation pieces showcased in major exhibitions worldwide.
1989
THE GOLDEN CHORD
Starting in 1989 Agus Ismoyo and Nia Fliam initiated a series of collaborative projects with indigenous communities in varied locations in the world. These projects served as a means for Ismoyo and Nia to gain a deeper understanding of the heritage creative processes found in diverse cultures around the world. Among all the collaborations, Ismoyo and Nia discern a ‘golden chord’ that intricately connects diverse indigenous communities. They are fascinated by the revelation that despite significant distances separating these communities, there exists a shared understanding of the creative process. This realization serves as a catalyst for them to passionately advocate for the universality of important principles found in indigenous creative processes, a perspective often overlooked and marginalized in contemporary creative practices.
2005
THE BEGINNING
In 2005 Agus Ismoyo, Nia Fliam, Agung Harjuno, and Pang Warman, established the Babaran Segaragunung Culture House (BSG) that was a result of Ismoyo and Nia’s artistic journey, involving collaborations with artists and communities globally. The culture house is dedicated to supporting the cultural community, including cultural enthusiasts, researchers, artists, students, and educators, both domestically and internationally. BSG’s primary objectives include establishing a platform to deepen understanding of cultural roots and to foster artistic growth based on this cultural knowledge and heritage.
2014
A NEW HOME
In 2014, The Culture House took a significant step forward by relocating portions of its programs to a new, expansive venue in Jambidan, Yogyakarta. This move was driven by our dedication to better serve our community with improved facilities and more room to accommodate larger groups. The new space provides an ideal setting for in-depth discussions, dynamic workshops, and comprehensive residency programs. With this transition, the culture house is better equipped to support the growth and exploration of cultural and artistic endeavors, reinforcing our commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive cultural community.
2024
NEW PROGRAMS
In 2024, The Culture House implemented a structured approach to our programs, dividing them into two distinct streams: Art-Focused Programs and Culture-Focused Programs.
Our Art-Focused Programs blend contemporary artistic practices with traditional methodologies, revitalizing rooted practices. Meanwhile, our Culture-Focused Programs celebrate Indonesian cultural heritage responsibly, aiming for positive impacts on grassroots makers and participants.
New additional programs include Intangible Cultural Expedition Programs, Short Cultural Programs, and Cultural Documentation Programs, enriching our offerings and deepening our commitment to cultural preservation, innovation and growth.
Through our evolution over the years, we remain dedicated to weave the threads of tradition with a touch of innovation, each stitch strengthening our commitment to preserving and providing space for the rich expanse of cultural heritage to grow. Through this dedication, the culture house strives not only to safeguard the treasures of the past but also to enrich the communities of the present and future, fostering a legacy of unity and understanding.
Agus Ismoyo
Director - Co-Founder
Agus Ismoyo, a descendant from a lineage of batik artisans from Java's court city of Solo, began his odyssey in 1985 when he co-founded Brahma Tirta Sari alongside Nia Fliam.
Nia Fliam
Co-Founder
Nia Fliam journeyed to Indonesia in 1983 to expand her knowledge of batik, sparking a fascination with its intangible aspects that continues to drive her artistic exploration today. Nia's journey ultimately led her to co-found Brahma Tirta Sari alongside Agus Ismoyo. With a background in fine arts from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn New York, Nia integrates a diverse array of influences into her contemporary textile narratives, transcending geographical boundaries.
Desmond W.S. Anabrang
Program Engagement and Coordinator
A cultural and traditional arts activist, is a key figure at the Babaran Segaragunung Culture House in Yogyakarta, contributing significantly to cultural projects. As a new generation of culture bearers in his family, Desmond is dedicated to continuing local knowledge systems.
Agung Harjuno
Co-Founder
Pang Warman
Co-Founder
Galuh Anindito
Program Development and Curation
Febrianti Tentyana S.
Partnership and Development
MJA Nashir
Cultural Documentation Coordinator
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Team
We take pride in our dedicated and skilled team members who bring their expertise and passion to our culture house. Our team is committed to creating a welcoming learning atmosphere for all our program participants.