Jia CURATED Moves to Beachfront Venue, Doubles Exhibitor Count for 2026

After two successful years transforming an abandoned theme park into a cultural landmark, the acclaimed Jia CURATED design event is relocating to a pristine beachfront setting. The immersive design expo has announced Pengembak Beach in Sanur as its new home for the 2026 edition, scheduled for August 13-17.

The relocation marks a significant evolution for the event, which has become one of Bali's most anticipated annual celebrations of design, craft, and contemporary culture since its inception. The move from Bali Festival Park in Padang Galak to the 15,000-square-meter beachfront venue signals the organizers' confidence in scaling the event while deepening its environmental consciousness.

From Urban Wasteland to Beachfront Canvas

Jia CURATED gained recognition for its innovative approach to venue transformation. For the past two editions, the event reimagined the sprawling but neglected Bali Festival Park, with each participating artist and designer creating installations that collectively breathed life into the abandoned space. The 2025 edition attracted 12,000 visitors and featured 150 brands from Indonesia and abroad.

The new Pengembak Beach location, framed by native pine trees and mangroves, presents a different canvas—one where the natural landscape becomes an integral part of the design narrative. The venue's organic setting of sand, stone, sea, and sunshine will challenge exhibitors to innovate their installations in ways the previous urban environment could not.

Nature Weave: A Thematic Shift Toward Sustainability

The 2026 edition's theme, "Nature Weave," directly reflects the significance of this venue change. The theme explores interconnected relationships between people, design, and natural systems—a philosophical positioning that aligns environmental responsibility with creative expression.

"This year, we are not only reflecting inwardly but also looking outward, contemplating our environment and our role in its preservation," said Jia CURATED Co-Founder Budiman Ong. "We are thrilled by how participants are responding to the theme and the new venue."

The organizers—Budiman Ong, Rudi Winata, and Yang Yang Hartono—have positioned the beachfront relocation as an opportunity to elevate Jia CURATED's role as a platform for Asia's creative communities while supporting Indonesia's local design sector.

Expansion and Enhanced Programming

The 2026 edition will significantly expand its reach, with 250 participating brands—a 67 percent increase from 2025. The expanded program includes:

• A major installation by DDAP Architect, sponsored by Lamitak (the event's main partner for 2026)
• A dedicated space for emerging and early-career designers
• Large-scale installations designed to enhance the event's distinctive immersive character
• 360° Design Dialogues—industry talks and live performances

The beachfront setting will allow for more expansive spatial planning, enabling the event to accommodate the increased number of exhibitors while maintaining the intimate, curated atmosphere that has defined the experience.

A Growing Force in Bali's Cultural Calendar

Jia CURATED has established itself as more than a trade show or art fair. By focusing on immersive design experiences that engage the public—not just industry professionals—and by selecting venues that require creative reimagining, the event has become a bellwether for contemporary design thinking in Southeast Asia.

The shift to Pengembak Beach in Sanur also reflects broader conversations within Bali's cultural sector about sustainable tourism and responsible placemaking, positioning the event at the intersection of creativity, environmental stewardship, and community benefit.

Jia CURATED 2026 is scheduled for August 13-17 at Pengembak Beach, Sanur. For more information, visit the official event website.

Source: NOW! Bali