Artistic Healing: Phare Ponleu Selpak Born from Cambodian Refugee Camps

The Cambodian arts organization Phare Ponleu Selpak, known for its origins in art therapy for children in refugee camps, has evolved into one of the country's leading arts education institutions and performance troupes. Mr. Tes Vicha, Head of Sales and Marketing at Phare Ponleu Selpak, explained that the organization's genesis lies in the idea of a French teacher who introduced art therapy, such as painting, to help heal the psychological trauma of Cambodian children living in refugee camps during the war. The primary goal was to alleviate the shock and fear left by war and violence. Following the end of the war and the dismantling of refugee camps, the French teacher and nine Cambodians returned to Cambodia and established an art school in Battambang in 1994. The aim was to continue using art to help underprivileged and disadvantaged children develop their skills and abilities. Currently, Phare Ponleu Selpak offers training in various art forms, including traditional and contemporary dance, music, painting, sculpture, and circus arts. Its educational programs, from kindergarten to high school, are recognized by the government, and approximately 1,000 to 1,200 children and young people attend free of charge each year. To support the school's operations, in addition to domestic and international aid, a circus troupe was established in Siem Reap in 2013. Initially, performances were held in an open field, but with support, including a tent donated by a Swiss woman, the troupe improved its performance venue. In 2017, due to rising land rental costs, the circus moved to a new, larger location that also includes a souvenir shop and a restaurant. The circus performances in Siem Reap take place every night and the troupe also performs for various events and private functions. The circus troupe's main missions are to generate income to support the school in Battambang and to create employment opportunities for young people who have completed their arts education. Approximately 75% of the revenue from performances in Siem Reap is sent to the Battambang school, with the remainder used for operational expenses, staff salaries, and taxes. These performances not only serve as an income source for the school but also provide jobs and income for former students as actors, musicians, singers, and painters. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local