Bachelor of Fine Art graduate Zoe Bergmans recently returned from a 3-month study tour in Indonesia after winning a sought after scholarship.
Zoe was one of 60 young people from around the world who won the prestigious Indonesian Art and Cultural Scholarship.
The program was established in 2003, and is designed to share Indonesia’s diverse arts and cultural heritage.
Zoe was based in the country’s cultural capital, Yogyakarta, where she learned the local language and mastered traditional Javanese dance, gamelan music and batik printing.
The experience culminated in a performance for dignitaries including the Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs.
For Zoe, the experience was life changing.
“Not only has this last few months taught me so much about Indonesia, but it has also taught me so much about myself,” she said.
“It was incredibly challenging, but also really rewarding.”
A highlight was being taught by local Indonesian artists and craftsmen.
“I spent a lot of time with amazing artists,