Nuanu Creative City is doubling down on its commitment to art and innovation by appointing two heavyweights as curators for FOTO Bali Festival 2025, an international photography festival set to run from July 26 to August 17, 2025. Leading the charge is Ng Swan Ti, a seasoned documentary photographer with deep roots in Southeast Asia’s photography scene.
She’ll be joined by Gatari Surya Kusuma, a researcher and curator whose work tackles ecology, culture, and critical pedagogy. Together, they’re shaping a festival that’s as bold as it is thought-provoking.
A Curatorial Powerhouse
This duo brings firepower. Swan Ti’s razor-sharp eye for documentary storytelling and Gatari’s research-driven approach to land, food, and community issues promise a festival that’s raw, relevant, and rooted in Indonesia’s cultural richness—while speaking to global conversations.
Gatari Surya Kusuma and Ng Swan Ti
“Photography isn’t just about freezing a moment—it’s about memory, imagination, and the grit behind the lens,” say Swan Ti and Gatari. “At FOTO Bali Festival, we’re building a space for stories that hit hard. No sugarcoating, no oversimplification. This isn’t just an exhibit; it’s a battleground for ideas where shooting and seeing are equally powerful.”
Theme: ‘LIFE’ – No Filters
The inaugural theme, ‘LIFE’, cuts straight to the core. It’s about the human grind—searching for meaning, weathering change, and standing tall in a world that never stops shifting. Expect unflinching photography and multimedia works from local and international artists, plus a lineup of talks, workshops, and panel discussions that go beyond the surface.
For photographers ready to step up, the open call runs May 2–31, 2025. Selected works will be showcased at Nuanu Creative City, Bali’s 44-hectare creative hub where art, education, and sustainable living collide.
