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...

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...

Catch up on everything that’s happening at Phare Ponleu Selpak we work to change lives through the arts in Battambang, Cambodia.

Khmer New Year: How Phare Kindergarten Celebrated Songkran

Khmer New Year: How Phare Kindergarten Celebrated Songkran

Every year in mid-April, Cambodians celebrate the traditional holiday known as Khmer New Year – or Songkran – over the course of three festive days. The holiday is rooted in Buddhist traditions and is an important time for Cambodians to get back together with their...

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Happy World Circus Day from Phare Ponleu Selpak!

Happy World Circus Day from Phare Ponleu Selpak!

From all the teachers, students, and staff at Phare Ponleu Selpak: Happy World Circus Day!  World Circus Day was founded on 17 April 2009 by the Federation Mondiale du Cirque to celebrate and promote traditional circus arts all over the world – and that includes...

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Responsible Volunteering: What Is It & Why Does It Matter?

Responsible Volunteering: What Is It & Why Does It Matter?

Volunteering demonstrates the best of our shared humanity. Whenever we donate time, talent, or specific skills to a community organization, we have the chance to make the world a better place and impact real people in a responsible and meaningful way. And as our...

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The Top 10 Phare Ponleu Selpak Blog Posts of 2023

The Top 10 Phare Ponleu Selpak Blog Posts of 2023

It’s that time of year when everything from music to movies is arranged in a list and counted down. At Phare Ponleu Selpak, we’re doing the same. The past year has been quite busy at Phare Ponleu Selpak with art festivals, volunteers, star alumni, and more all making...

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Battambang Water Festival: What It Is & How to Celebrate

Battambang Water Festival: What It Is & How to Celebrate

If you’re ever traveling to Battambang in October, you might hear people talking about the water festival – or you might find yourself caught in the middle of it unknowingly if you’re down by the Sangker River and surrounded by racing boats and cheering crowds. ...

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