Design of An Arts Center as A Content for Advanced Students Talents Using Neo-Vernacular Architecture

Abstract

Awareness of the importance of art for local communities is crucial to preserving and maintaining cultural heritage. Culturally rich North Sumatra, which includes ethnic groups such as Toba Batak, Karo, Mandailing, Nias, Malay, Angkola, Simalungun, Pakpak, and Chinese, offers great potential to promote local arts on both national and international levels. However, globalization has negatively affected teenagers, decreasing their interest in Indonesian culture in favor of foreign trends, as revealed in recent research. Government initiatives, such as the Merdeka Curriculum, have integrated education and the arts, but challenges still remain, including inadequate facilities for art education in schools and limited access to dedicated art centers. To address this gap, organizing a city-wide student art festival in Medan is essential to nurture artistic talents and enhance cultural awareness among students.