Catch up on everything that’s happening at Phare Ponleu Selpak we work to change lives through the arts in Battambang, Cambodia.
Why Phare Ponleu Selpak Is a Must-Visit Destination in Battambang
If you’re visiting Cambodia, Battambang should be at the top of your travel list—and a stop at Phare Ponleu Selpak is something you shouldn’t miss. Tucked away in the creative heart of Battambang, Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS) is more than an arts center, it’s a place...
The Heartbeat of the Sangker River: Why Sin Sisamuth and Battambang are Inseparable
To understand the soul of Cambodia, one must listen to the voice of Sin Sisamuth. Often called the "Emperor of the Golden Voice," Sisamouth’s legacy is more than just a collection of melodies; it is a map of the Cambodian spirit. While his journey began...
The Alchemy of the Stage: How Krod Sovannara Transformed Art into a Professional Career
At Phare Ponleu Selpak, we often say that art changes lives. But what does that actually look like in practice? For Krod Sovannara, it looks like a journey that began with a first-grade dream and became a seat in a corporate boardroom. Recently, Sovannara vividly...
Celebrating Khmer New Year in Battambang: Community, Creativity, and Culture
Every April, as the dry season reaches its peak, Battambang comes alive with color, sound, and shared celebration. Khmer New Year, known locally as Chaul Chnam Thmey, is one of Cambodia’s most important holidays, marking the turn of the traditional calendar and the...
Teaching art at Phare: a foreigner’s perspective
My name is Arrow Hargis, I’m an 18-year-old Princeton University student. I have the privilege to volunteer at Phare Ponlue Selapack and teach art to kids. I teach with Lokru Lao, one of the founders of Phare and a former student of the French humanitarian Véronique...
A Living Legacy: Sam Monny and the History of Phare Theatre
A Creative Path Begins (1996) Every artistic journey starts somewhere. For Mr. Sam Monny, it began in 1996, when Phare Ponleu Selpak was still a young vision taking shape in Battambang. At just sixteen, Mony became one of Phare’s first general art students. Born and...
Celebrate International Day of Charity and Peace: Bring Hope and Healing to War-Displaced Children
As we observe the Month of International Day of Charity and Peace, we are reminded of the profound impact that collective compassion and action can have on those most in need. In this spirit of giving, we turn our hearts and efforts towards the families and children...
Canvas of Pride: Colourful Stories at Phare Ponleu Selpak
Every June, countries around the world come together to celebrate Pride Month, a time to recognize the resilience and rights of LGBT+ communities. In Cambodia, Pride Month is not widely recognized, and for many LGBT+ youth, acceptance for who they are remains...
Creating a Safe Space: Child Protection at Phare Ponleu Selpak
Photography credits: Zoe García At Phare Ponleu Selpak, children are at the heart of everything we do. From the moment they step onto our campus, they enter a space designed to nurture, raise, and protect. A space where creativity meets care, and where every child is...
How Phare Ponleu Selpak Contributes to Responsible Tourism in Battambang
Responsible tourism is a conscious choice to make a positive impact on the places you visit. Being an aware traveller means protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and preserving the cultural soul of a place. In Cambodia, this philosophy is taking...
From Visitor to Volunteer: Gabriel’s Story at Phare
What makes a place so special that it keeps calling you back? For Gabriel Monson, a 72-year-old traveler from Australia, Phare Ponleu Selpak became more than just a stop on her journey. It is a community that feels like home. What began as a simple visit turned into...
The Beating Heart of Phare Ponleu Selapk: Véronique Decrop
To mark the 30th anniversary of Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang, Véronique Decrop, co-founder of the organization, reflects on an adventure that has changed lives. She has dedicated nearly 40 years of her talent and commitment to the Khmer community, from refugee...
Battambang Comes Alive with Colourful Cultures at S’Art Urban Art Festival 2025
Battambang, Cambodia – May 9, 2025: This November, the streets of Battambang will burst into life with creativity, colours, and cultural celebration as Phare Ponleu Selpak and TUI Care Foundation present the 4th edition of the S’Art Urban Art Festival. From November...
World Art Day: A Celebration of Creativity at Phare Ponleu Selpak
Every year on April 15, artists and art enthusiasts worldwide celebrate World Art Day, an international day of creativity, culture, and artistic expression. This special day reminds us of how art enriches lives, fosters communication, and inspires social change. At...
How to Celebrate Khmer New Year Like a Local in Battambang
Nestled along the peaceful Sangker River, Battambang is a charming town that often goes unnoticed by travelers but offers a unique experience for those who visit. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, stunning architecture, and lively arts scene, this small yet...
Art Without Limits: A Stage for Everyone at Phare Ponleu Selpak
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,...
From a Dream to a Guinness World Record: 4 Years of Circus History
Do you remember where you were on March 8, 2021? At Phare Ponleu Selpak, we were making history! Four years ago, our artists, staff, and supporters came together to take on a challenge unlike any other—a 24-hour, 10-minute, and 30-second non-stop circus performance....
Animating Dreams with MIL Kosal, Visual and Applied Arts School Alumnus
Growing up in the countryside, MIL Kosal barely saw any opportunities ahead. But with a deep passion for art, he pursued his dream of becoming an animator at Phare Ponleu Selpak’s Visual and Applied Arts School (VAAS). Today, he’s a senior animator at Phare Creative...
2024: A Year of Celebrations, Milestones, and Memories
This year more than ever, we’ve felt the heartbeat of Phare Ponleu Selpak—stronger, warmer, and more connected than before. 2024 was a year that reminded us of the power of art, the importance of coming together, and the incredible stories we create when we support...
Meet Clémence Deville: A Passionate Volunteer in Communications at Phare Ponleu Selpak
At Phare Ponleu Selpak, our volunteers and interns bring fresh perspectives, boundless creativity, and an eagerness to make a difference. Whether they’re from Cambodia or across the globe, their contributions not only support our mission but also leave a lasting...
Turning pages, building futures: Phare’s commitment to literacy and community
Photo credit: Olivia AUDO Over the past year, Phare’s mobile library has brought joy and literary opportunities to children in Battambang. The brightly decorated rickshaw, brimming with books, and the welcoming smiles of volunteers have all become a staple image of...
Want to connect with us beyond weekly blog posts? Sign up for our (mostly) monthly newsletter to learn more about how Phare Ponleu Selpak changes lives through the arts.
***