Including artists with disabilities is incredibly important to us. As performers ourselves, this marks our first collaborative experience in creating art together. We take pride in showcasing our unique strengths, focusing on our abilities rather than our challenges, and celebrating what we can achieve through movement.
At Phare Ponleu Selpak, we believe art has the power to inspire, connect, and transform lives. For 30 years, we’ve provided a platform for Cambodian artists to share their stories, celebrate their culture, and build brighter futures. Now, we’re taking a bold step forward with a groundbreaking project: a collaborative theatrical, circus, and dance performance featuring artists with and without disabilities—a powerful celebration of inclusivity.
Into the Junlgle Project
In the late 2024, Phare Ponleu Selpak partnered with Epic Arts to develop a project entitled “A Joint Theatrical Circus and Dance Performance for Artists with and without Disabilities, to Spark Change in the Perception of Audience and Demonstrate Inclusivity in the Arts.” The goal of this project is to create a new circus and dance performance through the exchange between artists with and without disabilities. The objectives include:
- Building understanding and sensitivity towards disabilities among artists without disabilities.
- Co-creating the concept and story.
- Developing circus and dance skills.
- Showcasing inclusivity through performance.
Supported by the U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, this production shines a light on the importance of accessible spaces, representation, and the idea that creativity knows no limits.
Why Inclusive Arts Matters
Art has a unique way of bringing people together, allowing them to connect, share stories, and see the world from different perspectives. Yet, artists with disabilities often face barriers that limit their opportunities to participate and thrive—especially in physically demanding fields like circus and dance.
Inclusive arts ensures that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the chance to express themselves and contribute to the creative process. When performers with and without disabilities share the stage, they highlight the value of collaboration and demonstrate that art is about possibilities, not limitations. Organizations like Epic Arts have proven that with the right support, artists with disabilities don’t just participate—they thrive. They bring unique perspectives and creative approaches that push the boundaries of what circus and dance can achieve.
Epic Arts
Epic Arts is an inclusive arts organisation based in Kampot, Cambodia, dedicated to promoting inclusion and celebrating diversity through the arts. Their mission is to empower individuals, particularly those with disabilities, by providing opportunities for artistic expression and education.
Founded with the belief that every person counts, Epic Arts offers various programs, including dance, theatre, and visual arts, to bring together people with and without disabilities. They aim to challenge perceptions and demonstrate that creativity knows no bounds.
Our message is that everyone, regardless of ability, has equal rights. We have put immense effort into this project. Furthermore, we want to demonstrate that dance can blend circus and contemporary styles. We take pride in showcasing our strengths, as we aim to highlight our abilities rather than our challenges.
Phare’s Commitment to Empowerment Through the Arts
At Phare Ponleu Selpak, our mission has always been to use art as a force for social transformation. From our humble beginnings as an arts school for Cambodian youth to becoming a thriving creative organisation, we’ve championed the belief that the stage is for everyone.
This collaboration with Epic Arts is a natural extension of that mission. By bringing together performers with and without disabilities, we’re not just creating a show—we’re building a movement. This project encourages artists to learn from one another, pushes audiences to question stereotypes, and opens the door for meaningful conversations about inclusion and accessibility in Cambodia’s creative landscape.
This project is more than a performance—it’s a call to action. It is an opportunity to start conversations about inclusivity in the arts and beyond. We are proud to lead the way, breaking barriers and opening doors for artists of all abilities. With the support of the U.S. Embassy and the vision of Epic Arts, this project is a step toward a future where the arts are truly for all.
