The article is devoted to the significance and contents of the pedagogical activities of the Russian-German artist Walter Spies, who stood at the origins of professional fine arts on the island of Bali. The key points of the pedagogical program implemented by W.Spies in the course of the Pita Maha Association of Balinese Masters are considered and related changes in the traditional art culture of Bali are reviewed. The study aims to close the gap in the knowledge of the history of modern Balinese art in Russia as an example of integrative contacts between of Eastern and Western traditions.