Drawing together: Community turns Bandung market into an art hub

Markets in Bandung, Indonesia, are becoming more than just places for commerce; they are emerging as vibrant hubs for community creativity. At The Hallway Space, located on the second floor of Pasar Kosambi, around 40 individuals, spanning from children to seniors, gather weekly for free drawing sessions organized by the Pensil Kertas community.

Since its inception in 2025, "Sabtu Menggambar" (Drawing Saturday) has become a regular fixture, fostering artistic expression within the market environment. Participants engage their imagination for 2.5 hours, exploring themes like "The World Behind Objects," where they develop personal narratives around everyday items such as a desk lamp. Occasionally, these sessions are complemented by "Drawing on Sunday" events held in various outdoor locations like cafes or city parks.

Registration for these popular sessions is typically done via the community's Instagram account. Taufik Apuk, the founder of Pensil Kertas, noted that attendance usually ranges from a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 50 participants. After the drawing is complete, attendees vote for their favorite works, with some receiving small prizes like keychains or sketchbooks.

For participants like 12-year-old Felis Septa Laraina, the sessions offer a welcome social outlet. "Drawing alone is quiet, but doing it together is fun and joyful," she said, adding that she also benefits from learning new drawing techniques from others. M. Kusni, a retiree and graphic design graduate, sees the sessions as a way to fill his time, network, and potentially find collaborators for future ventures.

The community, established in 2009, not only nurtures artistic talent but also translates creations into tangible products. Items such as keychains, stickers, bags, and art prints featuring members' artwork are sold through the community's shop. Profits are shared equitably and used to cover operational costs, including food, drinks, and event expenses. Some members also earn income through private drawing lessons, further supporting the community's sustainability.

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Drawing alone is quiet, but doing it together is fun and joyful.