Malanginspirasi.com – The Graphic Design Department of the Vocational Faculty at Universitas Brawijaya (UB) proudly presents the return of the Malang Art & Design Festival (MADFEST) 2025, held from 24–26 November 2025 at Gedung Samantha Krida UB.
MADFEST is an annual creative platform that brings together high school students, university students, and the general public in a vibrant celebration of art and design.
After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival resumed in 2022–2023 and continues to grow stronger each year with a fresh theme.
This year’s theme, “Paradoks Nusantara” (Paradox of the Archipelago), reflects Indonesia’s rich beauty alongside its complex social realities and historical challenges.
“We know the Nusantara is rich and beautiful, yet it still carries many dark traces. Through this exhibition, we want to present both hope and reality—like looking at ‘sins’ and ‘hopes’ that can change if we are willing to improve,” explained Sarah Ayatilla Zakiya, Chairperson of MADFEST 2025.
Highlights of MADFEST 2025
- Over 200 artworks on display, including posters, comics, 3D works, paintings, video mapping, photography, and more.
- Approximately 100 works from UB Vocational students and another 100 from public submissions.
- A design competition for high school (SMA/SMK) students judged by accredited graphic design lecturers.
- Public submission category: curated artworks exhibited and voted on by visitors to determine the People’s Choice award.
- Interactive media installations that change every year, offering visitors new experiences.
- Workshops, including embroidery (sulaman).
- Special talk show with the creative team behind the animated film Jumbo.
- Live art performances: traditional and contemporary dance, band music, and student talent shows.
Annual Art Events
“Every year we keep the core format—talk shows, workshops, and performances—but the artworks and interactive elements are always brand new,” Sarah added.
Originally a major annual project of the Graphic Design Student Association (Himpunan Mahasiswa Desain Grafis Vokasi UB), MADFEST has evolved into one of Malang’s most anticipated creative events.
Sarah hopes the festival will continue to expand its reach:
“We want more visitors every year. These works need to be heard—because if we can’t speak out loudly, we can still voice our opinions through art,” she concluded.
