JICAF 2025 Officially Opens, Bringing Indonesian Illustration to the Global Stage
The Jakarta Illustration & Creative Arts Fair (JICAF) officially opened on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at The Space, Senayan City, Jakarta, which marked its third installment. Under the theme of “New Heights”, JICAF will be running from September 18 to October 5, 2025, showcasing an extensive line-up of more than a hundred artists across 25 countries. Their ambition of “levelling-up” is exhibited in their provision of a greater, more inclusive, and experimental cross-border art experience.
As the largest illustration art platform in Indonesia, JICAF continues to break new ground by bringing together artists, collectors, art lovers, and creative industry players. Last year, JICAF 2024 carried the theme Chaotic City, which captured the dynamics and energy of urban life. This year, JICAF 2025 heads into a new direction by fostering inclusivity, experimentation, and courage through the creation of their participatory art programs, B2B networking & matchmaking, and artist fan meet & signing sessions.
JICAF proved to reach “new heights” by its record-breaking surge of enthusiasm at 764 submissions (of exhibitors) from 25 countries, increrasing in 41% from the previous year. This confirms JICAF's growing position as an influential stage for visual artists internationally. Sunny Gho, Co-Founder and Fair Director of JICAF, said, "JICAF was born to empower Indonesian illustrators to enrich global art and culture. This year, we step into a new chapter with the spirit of New Heights, presenting a fresher, more inclusive, and interactive program.”
In addition to flagship programs such as Supermarket for Artworks, Exclusive Art Drop, and Live Art Experience, JICAF is introducing several new programs to greatly involve the public in their experience of art:
JICAF Talks Podcast
This program is a series of conversations with artists, curators, and creative practitioners from Indonesia and abroad. It expands the art discussion space to a digital format so that it can be accessed by a wider audience.
Trinket Island
A special area featuring unique merchandise, small works, and exclusive collections from JICAF artists. This place is a favorite destination for collectors and art lovers.
Toyzone
Toyzone is a playground for art toy and collectible figure lovers. It presents exclusive releases, collaborations with artists, and interactive installations that connect illustration art with the world of collectible toys.
One of the highlights this year is JICAF's collaboration with Tab Space Studio, a neurodivergent artist studio. Through this collaboration, JICAF presents a fresher and bolder curation, while opening up an inclusive art space for diverse voices, perspectives, and creative expressions. Sunny Gho added, "The collaboration with Tab Space Studio is an important step for us. With the spirit of inclusivity, we want to show that art is a universal language that can be accessed, felt, and enjoyed by everyone."
JICAF 2025 also presents a cross-industry board of curators that enriches perspectives. Not only artists and gallerists, but also figures from music, film, and leading creative industries. Names such as Isyana Sarasvati (musician), Sheila Dara (actress), Ferry Dermawan (Plainsong Live), Devi Attamimi (Hakuhodo International), Angel Lukito (Exsport), and visual creator Ardhira Putra played a role in designing the JICAF 2025 experience. This cross-industry involvement brings a fresher feel for audiences to participate, and a vast curation. In essence, illustration is no longer seen merely as a visual art form but also as a cross-medium instrument that bridges music, film, literature, and brand communication.
Now firmly positioned as Asia’s illustration art hub, JICAF has active networks with art fairs in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand, and is currently expanding into Taiwan and China. With the participation of international artists from various countries, JICAF 2025 truly becomes a global stage to connect talent, brands, and creative communities across borders.
