At Phare Ponleu Selpak, we believe art should be a space where everyone has the opportunity to learn, express themselves, and belong—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or background.
For us, inclusion is more than simply welcoming people through our doors. It means creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to discover their talents, express who they are, and know that their stories and creativity have a place within our community.
Creating Space for LGBTQ+ Students
At Phare Ponleu Selpak, we strive to foster an environment where LGBTQ+ students can pursue their education, explore their creativity, and express themselves with confidence and respect.
Through the generous support of our partners, including the TUI Care Foundation, we provide opportunities for young people to access arts education without financial or social barriers.
One inspiring example is KHORN Thavika, a transgender student studying circus at our Performing Arts School. Through a 100% scholarship supported by the TUI Care Foundation, Thavika pursues her passion for performance and refines her skills without tuition burdens.
Her journey is one of many that reminds us why accessible arts education matters—everyone deserves the chance to discover what they are capable of achieving. 
"Being trans isn't easy. Outside Phare, I don't always feel confident, but here at Phare, I can truly be myself and I feel so confident in who I am. I want to send a message to all transgender youth: love and embrace who you are and everything you have achieved. Learn to live authentically as yourself, uplift your own spirit, and face every challenge ahead with strength to achieve your dreams."
We also celebrate students like TEP Sopormearlear, a second-year animation student at our Visual and Applied Arts School (VAAS), who has found confidence through creative expression and feels empowered to show her inner self freely and authentically. For her, Phare provides a safe, nurturing environment to grow without fear of judgment.
“To me, a supportive and inclusive school environment that accepts diverse gender identities is a place where every student can live and learn safely, equitably, and without discrimination. Everyone is respected, regardless of differences in identity or expression. It is an environment that encourages all of us to be ourselves and to have confidence in who we are.”
Creating Opportunities Through Inclusive Education
Inclusion also means recognizing and honoring different ways of learning, communicating, and creating.
At our Visual and Applied Arts School (VAAS), we are proud to support Dalin, a Deaf student from our 12th generation of artists. Through his studies, Dalin continues to hone his artistic skills and convey his perspective through visual arts.
“He is a smart student and a very quick learner. Even though he is Deaf, he understands lessons remarkably well, and we communicate easily through writing and visual demonstration.”
Dalin’s presence reminds us daily that art does not depend on words. Sometimes, visual creativity communicates what spoken language cannot.
Art Without Barriers
Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond the classroom and onto the main stage.
Early in 2025, Phare Ponleu Selpak partnered with Epic Arts, supported by the U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, to bring inclusivity center stage with a groundbreaking performance blending circus, dance, and theater. Featuring artists both with and without disabilities, this initiative united performers across diverse lived experiences and physical abilities through shared movement and creative expression.
“Including artists with disabilities is incredibly important to us. As performers, this marked our first collaborative experience 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.”
This collaboration reaffirmed that physical disability does not limit artistic capability. Given equal opportunities, artists connect, collaborate, and produce powerful work side by side.
Creating a Community Where Everyone Belongs
Inclusion is not merely about opening up space for different people—it is about recognizing that every individual brings a unique perspective, talent, and story to our collective community.
At Phare Ponleu Selpak, art remains a tool to connect people, challenge societal barriers, and open doors to new possibilities.
“An inclusive workplace means creating a safe and respectful working environment where everyone feels valued and has equal opportunities to contribute and grow, regardless of their background, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
As an HR Officer at Phare Ponleu Selpak, I believe our role is to embrace diversity, reduce barriers, listen to our team, and ensure that everyone feels respected and included, regardless of where they come from.”
— BIN Chhomdalihsa, HR Officer
Whether through a circus act, a canvas painting, a dance performance, or simply the confidence to live authentically, everyone deserves a place to create, to grow, and to belong. That is the creative community we continue to build every day at Phare Ponleu Selpak.
Together, we can break down barriers and create a world where every story matters and every voice is heard. Your support provides scholarships, accessible equipment, and safe learning spaces for diverse young creators.