Catch up on everything that’s happening at Phare Ponleu Selpak we work to change lives through the arts in Battambang, Cambodia.
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 elusive....
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...
Sovanita’s Story: How Phare Kindergarten Cultivated an Early Love of the Arts
Sinat, a mother from an impoverished situation, is delighted to witness her 5-year-old daughter Sovanita thrive in the supportive environment at Phare Kindergarten. Sovanita’s passion for art reflects her dreams, making her a favorite among teachers. Phare Ponleu...
Empowering Futures: How Phare’s Lunch Support Program Makes a Difference
At Phare Ponleu Selpak, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to transform their life through education and the arts. To make this possible, we’ve developed several sponsorship programs that support children from vulnerable backgrounds. The safety and...
Celebrating Pchum Ben at Phare: When the Living Honour Their Ancestors
If your mornings were gently filled with the sound of prayers and sacred chants, you were likely in Cambodia, near a pagoda, during the sacred period of Pchum Ben. This essential festival for honoring ancestors attracts thousands of people to temples between September...
The Water Festival in Battambang: Phare Ponleu Selpak’s role in cultural revitalization
At the heart of Khmer mythology there is a fascinating legend: the union between the Indian prince Kaundinya and the Naga princess Soma. Thousands of years ago, Cambodia was an island occupied by the Naga, half-human, half-serpent creatures, venerated as the...
Dancing Toward a Fairer Future: A New Path for Young Female Dancers at Phare Ponleu Selpak
This year, Phare Ponleu Selpak has taken a meaningful step toward creating new opportunities for young female dancers. In February, thanks to funding from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) we launched a new project aimed at improving the learning...
From Battambang to Cirque du Soleil: SOK Dina’s Journey to Becoming Cirque’s First Cambodian Performer
If you haven’t already heard of SOK Dina, then prepare to be amazed. Dina is the first performer from Cambodia to join Cirque du Soliel in Montreal, Canada. Dina is also a circus alumnus from Phare Performing Arts School. From 2005 to 2011, Dina – and his friend and...
![Pride Month Interview: How Trans Student Sarann Found Her Place as a Khmer Dancer at Phare Ponleu Selpak [Video]](https://phareps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sarann-trans-woman-khmer-dance-student-story-e1719826361206-400x250.jpg)
Pride Month Interview: How Trans Student Sarann Found Her Place as a Khmer Dancer at Phare Ponleu Selpak [Video]
As a trans woman who is a Khmer traditional dancer, YOU Sarann faces endless discrimination. The 23-year-old Battambang native has dreamed of becoming a dancer since childhood, but many times, she’s wanted to give up. Fortunately, Phare Ponleu Selpak provides Sarann...
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