Medha’s Red River Brings Women’s Stories of Resilience to Cambodia’s Provinces Written by: Sokummono KhanEdited by: Elise Steenburgh Medha never fails to send goosebumps through their audience. The all-women drum troupe’s debut performance, The Call, whichhas become one of Medha’s most iconic works within Cambodia’s contemporary arts scene,begins with a low, humming invocation before slowing,…

Chakto II: Growing Strong Arts Ecosystems Through Human Connection and Cultural Exchange Written by: Sokummono KhanEdited by: Elise Steenburgh When people talk about sustaining the arts, funding is often the first thing that comes to mind. Grants, sponsorships, and ticket sales all play an important role, but they are only part of the story. A…

Arn Chorn-Pond: Global ambassador of arts for peace Arn Chorn-Pond is a musician, survivor of the Cambodian genocide, human rights activist, and the founder of the organization that is now Living Arts International. Born into a family of artists, Arn grew up in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. During this period, he was separated…

Phloeun Prim: Visionary Leader in Arts and Culture Living Arts International Executive Director Phloeun Prim is a visionary leader in the field of arts and culture, with 25 years of experience guiding culture-focused NGOs to develop sustainable hybrid business models and championing the arts as a vehicle for transformation in post-conflict societies. He represents a…

SEA differently: An Asian lens on artistic freedom Safe Havens meeting, co-hosted by Living Arts International​ Siem Reap, Cambodia, December 2nd – 4th, 2026 This year, SH|FT will join forces with Living Arts International to convene the Safe Havens meeting in Cambodia from 2nd – 4th December 2026, aiming to strengthen the interaction between global…

Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) is entering an exciting new chapter. After nearly three decades of supporting artists, preserving cultural heritage, and nurturing Cambodia’s creative ecosystems, we paused to listen, reflect, and envision the future. These strategic priorities sharing brought together artists, arts community members, and regional and international performing arts networks to clarify, provide feedback,…

In September and October 2026, Arn Chorn-Pond will travel to the United States for his annual speaking tour, themed “Holding Humanity in Times of Uncertainty.” Through music, storytelling, and conversation, the tour invites audiences into an intimate exploration of how the arts can support healing, resilience, and connection in a divided world. As global conflict,…

As the Amatak Award enters its fourth edition this year, Cambodia Living Arts (CLA) is widening our lens and deepening our commitment to the vibrant, evolving ecosystem of Cambodian arts. From visual and performing arts to gender discourse, and the expanding role of art within civil society, CLA is today actively working to bridge gaps…

Fourteen years of being part of Cambodia’s evolving art community have shaped Yon Sokhorn’s leadership. Now, she steps forward with humility, vision, and a commitment to reimagining the present and future of Cambodian arts. Her mission is clear: to support local artists to be able to share their creative work regionally and internationally, expand partnerships…

About Cambodian Living Arts Cambodian Living Arts supports artists and organizations across all art forms, with a focus on strengthening and developing the broader arts sector. CLA also provides management and administrative support to selected emerging arts organizations, helping facilitate their programmatic and organizational development during agreed timelines (this is known as “fiscal sponsorship”). Our…