Cambodian Living Arts

Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) is an independent non-profit organization based in Cambodia. Our mission is to be a catalyst in a vibrant arts sector, inspiring new generations. Established in 1998, our original goal was to keep Cambodia’s endangered intangible heritage alive. As the context of Cambodia changed, and a new generation of artists began to emerge, we started running scholarships, fellowships and professional development training, whilst creating job opportunities and encouraging cultural entrepreneurship. To support the transforming environment, we also engage in cultural policy advocacy, support the development of arts education in public schools and build new audiences for arts. Our programs aim to give artists the resources and opportunities to start telling stories of contemporary Cambodia —from local stages, schools and community spaces, to international audiences across the world. CLA was founded in 1998 by Arn Chorn-Pond, a survivor of the Khmer Rouge era and internationally acclaimed human rights spokesperson. During the period of Khmer Rouge rule, he was sent to a labor camp but survived by playing propaganda music. Between 1975 and 1979, 25% of the Cambodian population perished, and it is thought that approximately 90% of Cambodia’s artists were among the dead. Arn created Cambodian Living Arts to honor the surviving master artists and help ensure the future of Cambodia’s traditional arts. The scope of the organization has now expanded far beyond that original goal: as well as preserving Cambodia’s traditions, we want to develop an environment where artists can create, innovate, and collaborate with peers across in national, regional and international contexts. In November 2018, Cambodian Living Arts will host the Arts4peace Festival in Phnom Penh. Find out more at https://arts4peace.cambodianlivingarts.org.