The Strength of Traditional Arts in Bali

With increased access to different cultures through sophisticated communications technology and access to foreign products (films, music, etc.), there is concern that local cultures and traditions have become increasingly vulnerable to the influence of a dominant Western culture and will not survive. However, it is not always the case that globalization simply stamps out all that is local. Indeed, local cultures are not as easy prey to outside forces as some may fear. In this thesis, I  demonstrate that in the case of Bali, Indonesia, local and national influences are much larger factors than global ones. In order to have a better understanding of Balinese culture and the arts in Bali, I look at certain aspects of Balinese life, including the Balinese village and educational systems; sacred, religious forms versus secular performances; institutional goals versus personal and professional aspirations; and financial compensation versus spiritual rewards. I use the Bali Arts Festival as a case study to illustrate how these various elements play out.