Yogyakarta. Indonesia’s Prambanan Jazz Festival has unveiled “Celebrate the Joy” as the official theme for its 2026 edition and appointed renowned contemporary artist Eko Nugroho as the festival’s commissioned artist, underscoring its ambition to deepen the intersection of music, visual arts and culture.

Now entering its 12th edition, the festival has established itself as one of Indonesia’s leading international music events, combining live performances with artistic and cultural experiences against the backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta.

Festival organizers said the collaboration with Yogyakarta-born artist Eko Nugroho reflects Prambanan Jazz’s continuing effort to position itself as a multidisciplinary cultural platform that brings together music, art and public engagement.

For Nugroho, the “Celebrate the Joy” theme represents a celebration of life and culture that embraces both humanity and the natural world. Through his distinctive visual language — influenced by street art, graffiti and comics and often layered with social commentary — the artist interprets joy as an energy that nurtures, connects and creates space for all living beings.

The visual identity for the 2026 festival incorporates bold colors, dynamic compositions and strong natural elements, portraying the festival as a grounded cultural space that plants seeds of hope and shares happiness among people and the environment.

Organizers said the concept reflects a broader philosophy of joy that exists in harmony with culture, community and everyday life.

Nugroho, a graduate of the Indonesian Institute of the Arts (ISI) Yogyakarta, is one of Indonesia’s most internationally recognized contemporary artists. Beyond his visual art practice, he has initiated several creative platforms and communities, including the independent comic collective Dagingtumbuh, art merchandise label DGTMB, contemporary puppet performance group Wayang Bocor, the Versus Project exhibition platform and the Eko Nugroho Art Class, an alternative school focused on creative development.

The announcement of the festival theme and commissioned artist marks the beginning of the lead-up to Prambanan Jazz Festival 2026, which is scheduled to take place on July 3-5 at the Prambanan Temple grounds in Yogyakarta.

The lineup will feature a mix of international and Indonesian performers, including Michael Learns to Rock, Joey Alexander & Friends, NIKI, Sal Priadi, GIGI, KLa Project and Fariz RM, among others.

Since its inception, Prambanan Jazz Festival has gained a reputation for presenting world-class musicians while promoting cultural exchange, sustainability and collective experiences through music and the arts. Set against one of Indonesia’s most iconic heritage sites, the festival has become a prominent destination on the country’s cultural calendar.

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