Art Jakarta 2026 Seeks to Turn More Audiences Into Art Collectors

JAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com—Art Jakarta 2026 is not only positioned as a meeting point for artists, galleries, collectors, and art communities, but also as a platform to encourage more audiences to explore the art market and become collectors.

Art Jakarta Fair Director Tom Tandio said the fair plays a role in facilitating the movement of the art market by creating space for meaningful market interactions while serving as a catalyst for the broader art ecosystem.

“We hope our programs can inspire collectors to learn more about art from this region, while also encouraging audiences to become collectors,” Tom Tandio said at the opening of Art Jakarta 2026, Friday, Oct 2, 2026.

According to Tom, Art Jakarta continues to grow alongside various elements of the art ecosystem, from artists and galleries to collectors and communities. Starting this year, Art Jakarta is also organizing three fairs annually as part of its effort to reach more aspects of Indonesia’s art ecosystem.

Art Jakarta 2026 brings together 75 galleries, including 33 international galleries. The main Art Jakarta fair at JIExpo Kemayoran remains the flagship event, bringing together local and international galleries.

Beyond gallery presentations, Art Jakarta features several programs that expand interaction beyond traditional booths, including AJ Spot and AJ Scene. The number of AJ Scene participants has increased to 39 this year, from 33 last year.

This year, Art Jakarta also introduces AJ Scope, which brings together independent local art fairs from across Indonesia through MTN Market, presented by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia through the National Talent Management program for Arts and Culture, Visual Arts Division.

Tom said these programs are part of Art Jakarta’s effort to create a meeting point for key players and stakeholders across the art ecosystem.

“Our goal as an art fair is to create a space that serves as a meeting point for the various key players and stakeholders within the art ecosystem,” he said.

He noted that many people within the art ecosystem do not share the same physical space in their daily lives and may even be based in different cities. Through an art fair, they have an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and connect with one another.

Tom also said that his own entry into the art world began with opportunities to meet artists and curators in person. He therefore hopes Art Jakarta can serve as a catalyst for new ideas and opportunities.

“I hope Art Jakarta can be a catalyst for new ideas and new opportunities,” he said.

Art Jakarta 2026 also features a comprehensive VIP program designed to support the participating market, artists, and galleries. Tom said Art Jakarta does not merely provide space for the art market, but also engages with and encourages the people within it.

He said Indonesian art has its own unique character while maintaining international quality. Art from different parts of Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, also has its own distinctive characteristics.

These qualities are part of what makes Art Jakarta different from other international art fairs and relevant to both international and local audiences.

“For that reason, Art Jakarta as an art fair is different from other international art fairs and is worth visiting for both international and local audiences,” Tom said.