Yogyakarta, October 24th 2026 The Performing Arts and Visual Arts Program (PSPSR) at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (SPs UGM) successfully convened the 3rd Graduate Leaders Summit alongside the Symposium and Call for Abstracts “Ecosystem on Artivism”. This strategic national event took place over two consecutive days from October 22nd to 23rd 2026, at the 5th Floor Auditorium of the SPs UGM Building. Distinguished heads and coordinators of graduate programs in art, design, and art education from universities across Indonesia participated actively in the forum. The convening of this grand event aims to strengthen institutional consolidation and address the rapid dynamics of contemporary global changes. The enthusiastic presence of institutional delegates underscores a shared commitment to advance the quality of national higher art education.
The overarching theme “Weaving Knowledge, Strengthening Legitimacy” under the framework of Connect, Collaborate, Create showed the summit addresses critical epistemological and institutional challenges. Academic discourses in art research have long been divided between analytical-academic inquiries and practice-based research that needed to unify quality standards. Furthermore, the absence of an Independent Accreditation Agency (LAM) tailored specifically for the arts has prompted institutional leaders to formulate collective strategies. The interactive dialogues made scholars strive to advocate for formal institutional recognition that honors the unique characteristics of artistic disciplines. These strategic formulations are expected to serve as a robust foundation for future graduate curriculum development.
The proceedings of the first day were officially opened by the Dean of SPs UGM, Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D., accompanied by the Chief of the PSPSR Master Program UGM, Dr. Rr. Paramitha Dyah Fitriasari, M.Hum. Key sessions featured insightful presentations on art epistemology by Dr. G.R. Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A., and practical perspectives from ISI Yogyakarta by Kurniawan Adi Saputro, Ph.D. A crucial national discussion regarding the establishment of the Arts Accreditation Agency was led by the Chairman of the Indonesian Art Educators Association, Prof. Dr. Agus Cahyono, M.Hum. The inaugural day concluded auspiciously with the formal signing of Tri Dharma cooperation agreements (MoU and IA) and a networking gala dinner.
The summit continued on the second day with the Art and Beyond Symposium, officially opened by the Head of the Doctoral Program in PSPSR UGM, Dr. Sri Margana, M.Hum., M.Phil. This symposium thoroughly examined the intricate intersection of artistic practice and social engagement through the analytical framework of “Ecosystem on Artivism”. The keynote addresses delivered by Agung Kurniawan and Dr. Luh Gede Saraswati Putri, S.S., M.Hum., greatly enriched the profound scholarly discourse on art and activism. A total of six selected research papers were presented in parallel sessions highlighting issues concerning public spaces and collective memory. These strategic initiatives showed SPs UGM firmly reinforces its leading position as a pioneer in fostering inclusive, impactful, and transdisciplinary graduate education.
Tags: 3rdGraduateLeadersSummit, PSPSRSPsUGM, ArtEpistemology , ArtsAccreditationAgency, EcosystemOnArtivism, HigherArtEducation, SDG4: Quality Education , SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals
Author: Berlian Belasuni