Art Trail: A Creative Connection Between Phnom Penh and Battambang
Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage is finding new expression in a transformative project that connects the vibrant cultural hubs of Battambang and Phnom Penh. The initiative, “Imagined Territories: Art to Build Tomorrow,” is a collaboration between Phare Ponleu Selpak, the French Institute of Cambodia (IFC), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD). This inspiring project offers another compelling reason to visit both Cambodia’s capital and the north-western old colonial city of Battambang.
From Battambang to Phnom Penh: A Journey of Artistic Innovation
The journey began in January 2023 with a Phare Design Lab workshop in Battambang, where over 20 students from Phare’s Visual & Applied Arts School collaborated to create innovative art pieces. The week-long workshop resulted in seven striking artworks, showcased during a one-day festival in Battambang’s city center in October 2023. Drawing more than 1,000 visitors, the festival highlighted the creative energy that makes Battambang a must-visit destination for art lovers.
In 2025, the project expands its reach with an exhibition at the French Institute in Phnom Penh, titled “Imagined Territories: Art to Build Tomorrow.” Opening on January 23, 2025, the exhibition will run until April 12, 2025, featuring:
- Performances by Phare Ponleu Selpak’s circus students
- A concert by the Miss Sarawan band
- Interactive installations and community-inspired artworks
Highlighting Cambodia’s Challenges and Opportunities Through Art
The exhibition brings to Phnom Penh four of the original artworks created in Battambang:
- “Bakprea”
- “Golden Soil”
- “New Generation, New Era”
- “Drop of Life”
These pieces tackle critical development themes like natural resource management, education, and access to clean water. Created from natural and recycled materials, the works not only showcase artistic ingenuity but also engage with real-world issues affecting Cambodia’s communities.
Celebrating Cambodia’s Cultural and Sustainable Future
Supported by the Métis Fund, an AFD initiative promoting sustainable development through the arts, the project aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It celebrates Cambodia’s artistic heritage while fostering sustainable practices and community empowerment.
Discover more Arts & Culture in Cambodia
Professional artist and mentor Eng Riithchandaneth noted the transformative impact on the students involved:
“Through this project, students have developed a deeper understanding of social and community issues, enriching their artistic vision. The result is art that resonates deeply with its environment and societal context,” she said.
Why You Should Visit
This initiative offers a unique opportunity to explore Cambodia’s burgeoning art scene while connecting with its cultural and social fabric. A visit to Battambang provides insight into the origins of these artworks, set against the backdrop of the city’s thriving creative community. Meanwhile, the exhibition at the French Institute in Phnom Penh brings these visions to the capital, offering an immersive experience that combines art, performance, and community engagement.
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By visiting Phnom Penh and Battambang, you’ll not only witness incredible artistic talent but also engage with the conversations shaping Cambodia’s future. Whether it’s exploring the Phare Ponleu Selpak campus in Battambang or attending the exhibition in Phnom Penh, this project invites you to experience the powerful intersection of art, culture, and sustainable development.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
