Meet Kenneth and Franck, two Parisian creatives whose shared passion for art and culture led them to embark on an exciting new chapter in Bali. Kenneth, a fashion designer with roots in Japan and Sweden, first arrived in Indonesia in the early 2000s, drawn by his role at the French fashion school ESMOD in Jakarta. His partner in this endeavor, Franck, is an experienced art curator and advisor who joined Kenneth in Bali after over a decade in Paris. Together, they are in the midst of realizing a dream to establish “Utopia, Bali Art Project,” a cultural center in Ubud that will bring together international artists and local talent.
In this interview, they reflect on their journey to Bali, from navigating the island’s unique lifestyle challenges to the creative inspiration that Bali offers. They also share their vision for Utopia, set to open in 2026, which promises to be a vibrant platform for contemporary art, design, and cross-cultural exchange. With support from Our Year in Bali, Kenneth and Franck have found guidance through the complexities of moving to and settling in Bali, making their ambitious project possible. Here, they give us a glimpse into their lives, aspirations, and the vibrant community they hope to build in Bali’s artistic heart, Ubud.
Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your background? Where do you originally come from?
I am Kenneth (half Japanese, half Swedish for those of you who wonder), fashion designer having worked for the French fashion school ESMOD Jakarta in the 2000’, which originally brought me to Indonesia and most of all to Bali. My accomplice, Franck, in this adventure is an art curator and art advisor. We were both living in Paris before coming to Bali 3 months ago.
When did you first arrive in Bali, and how long do you envision staying?
Kenneth : In my case in November 2000. In Franck’s case, 10 years ago (when I dragged him here a bit against his will). But we quickly agreed that Bali was our favorite and best place to settle down.
What inspired your decision to move to Bali, and what was the thought process behind making such a significant life change?
Kenneth : I have always been attracted to this island but for Franck the real trigger came in 2016, when he realized that the project of creating an art center looked more like a realizable project in Bali than just a hardly achievable dream in Europe due to the amount of capital needed.
Franck : But above all, because Bali is extraordinarily attractive to aesthetes and art lovers alike.
How was your experience working with Simone from Our Year in Bali?
We already had our leasehold land in Ubud and the plans by our Balinese architect were almost finished when we got closer to the departure. Franck found Simone in March this year I’d say and in April or May we decided to contact Simone! That was a real “ coup de pouce”. She helped us to get on with the process in a way we wouldn’t even have dreamed of and in about 2 months we had an enormous amount of formalities completed on so many different levels. To go through all these steps would take too long here:)! But however: we got here safe and sound with company; Investor Kitas, bank and so much more than we would have on our own in the dark of our ignorance…
Franck : All the “reminder” lists included in the Silver package we purchased are very useful and take a load off your mind when you’re busy moving house etc…
What led you to choose Ubud as your home?
Franck : Ubud is very much an evident choice for us considering the fact that we are constructing an Art/Cultural Center. Ubud is the HUB for art and spirituality because of its large number of museums, galleries and temples. People come here to reconnect with themselves, with nature and with the world. Art is also part of this possible pose, but it’s also a source of existential and societal questioning.
How does the cost of living in Bali compare to France?
It’s clearly lower, even though prices have moved north since COVID. But on top of your daily expenses, you have to add rent, which is not so cheap, and private health insurance, etc…so you need to draw up a budget.
What challenges have you encountered since moving to Bali, and how have you adapted to the local culture and way of life?
Kenneth : Even though I, personally, lived in both the Middle East and in Jakarta (as an overprotected expat) for several years, the effort of adapting to a new environment has asked for some effort. Mainly on three different levels:
Housing: to find a place to live that you like is not that easy due to high demand (we’re not the only ones looking to realize our dream in Bali) and once you do there may be some details in terms of standard, out of a European point of view, that you wish to have fixed/repaired/improved or completed that can demand a huge amount of patience. So that’s been a challenge.
Transport: People here often say that we Europeans love to walk and walking is something that is not always easy due to the state of the pavements and the often narrow crowded streets with cars, scooters and god knows what, competing for space. We have thus got ourselves motorbikes (for the first time of my life). Then you have to learn how to drive on the left hand side and often when driving around the word DANGER comes to your mind (wonder why:)).
All about cooking: For many of us grocery shopping is an easy bit with food safety and choice and quality of goods being quite more than enough especially in Paris from where we moved. Here, you have to adapt to completely different conditions, both where you buy and what. But then again the wonders of tropical fruit and vegetables that actually taste something compensate for the efforts in the end. And the intensely fragrant spices have grown almost next door.
You’re in the process of developing a ground-breaking art precinct hub in Ubud, set to launch by the mid of 2026. Could you share your vision for this ambitious project and the unique experiences it will offer?
Franck : his new project is a continuation of my previous work in art galleries and as a curator of exhibitions for museums and galleries between Europe and Latin America. Having traveled all over the world, for this second part of our lives we wanted a place where we could develop a cultural project but also welcome friends of the arts as if they were at home, with the high quality services we know how to provide in Bali. The identity of this link is Utopia, Bali Art Project, a cultural platform that brings together contemporary art, design, local Art and Craft, but also architecture, anthropology, cinema and the performing arts. We will be supporting a residency bringing together South American and European artists with Indonesian and Asian artists. Part of the business plan is based on renting out a few quality rooms so that our guests can be as close as possible to art.
In developing the art precinct hub, how are you planning to integrate the local Balinese community and culture into the project?
Franck: The exhibitions will be open to schoolchildren in the mornings, with a special educational program, and we’ll also be involving Balinese artists in workshops open to all. Access to conferences, film programs and the art book library will also be by reservation, but open to all. Limited-edition items featuring Balinese craftsmanship and know-how will be on sale in the boutique. Over time, we hope to create a strong link with local communities, the art scene and Balinese friends in general.
What do you think are some of the most common misconceptions about Bali, and how would you address or clarify them?
Kenneth: In Europe some perceive Bali as a tropical paradise but an underdeveloped and primitive one. They would be surprised to see how evolved and sophisticated matters actually are when it comes to technology, administration and culture. Simone opened the door to many of those aspects.
Lastly, is there anything else about your experience living in Bali that you’d like to share or that we haven’t covered yet?
Franck : Resilience, patience and listening are the key words to maintain your objective. That is way easier said than done but essential not to forget.
How can people get in touch with you?
Kenneth: kennethf88@gmail.com
