RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Jakarta Illustration & Creative Arts Fair (JICAF) 2026 returns as a premier gathering for creative practitioners, further cementing Jakarta’s position as a national hub for visual arts.

The organizing committee has engaged curators from various artistic disciplines to oversee the selection process. This aimed to provide a multi-dimensional perspective on contemporary illustration.

Renowned personality Adjis Doaibu joins the panel to offer insights from the popular entertainment sector, while Sherina Munaf oversees the SPARKS category, dedicated to emerging talent. Their involvement is intended to provide a fresh outlook on youth creativity, with a judging criteria focused on the instinct and unique artistic voices of new creators.

Industry veterans, Hermawan Tanzil and Dimas Djayadiningrat, are tasked with the Professional category, which evaluates works from creators with at least three years of experience. This category focuses on technical execution, professional standards, and visual maturity.

The board of curators also features diverse figures including Marchella FP, Hadi Ismanto, Ykha Amelz, Andrey Noelfry, Irvine Priscillia, and Nicola Schwartz. This broad representation is expected to enrich the curation process.

Fair Director, Sunny Gho, emphasized that the curation extends beyond mere aesthetics. "We select works not only for their strong visual appeal but also for their distinct voice and cultural relevance," said Sunny in a written release in Jakarta on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

The SPARKS category specifically provides a platform for novice and self-taught creators, prioritizing originality and artistic potential. JICAF maintains an inclusive environment, evaluating all participants based on the inherent quality of their work regardless of their career stage.

JICAF 2026 is scheduled to run from September 17 to October 4, 2026. The fair is anticipated to significantly strengthen the Indonesian visual arts ecosystem. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)