Chakto II: Growing Strong Arts Ecosystems Through Human Connection and Cultural Exchange
Written by: Sokummono Khan
Edited by: Elise Steenburgh
When we 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 a vibrant arts ecosystem is built on something equally important: relationships, collaboration, and opportunities for people to learn from one another. These ideas were at the heart of Chakto II, a week-long professional exchange programme focused on strengthening Cambodia’s contemporary performing arts sector through dialogue, exchange, and collaboration.
Following the success of Chakto I in 2025, which brought together Cambodia’s creative communities across film, comics, dance, and music, Chakto II focused on contemporary performing arts. Led by the French Embassy in Cambodia and the Institut français du Cambodge, the programme connected Cambodian artists with cultural professionals from across Asia and beyond to share experiences, explore new perspectives, and build future collaborations.
For Cambodian Living Arts (CLA), partnering in Chakto II reflects our belief that artists grow through connection, exchange, and collaboration. Together with the Institut français du Cambodge, CLA co-designed the Professional Encounters Programme, bringing together artists, producers, presenters, festival directors, and cultural leaders through discussions, cultural visits, performances, and networking opportunities.
“Professional encounters are opportunities to build trust, expand perspectives, and strengthen the future of the arts. Through Chakto II, we bring artists and cultural professionals together to connect, exchange, and inspire new possibilities for Cambodia’s performing arts.”
— Yon Sokhorn, Country Director
As part of the programme, on June 9, 2026, CLA and the Institut français du Cambodge co-hosted two panel discussions: “Programming and How Works Are Selected” and “Producing and Supporting Performing Arts Works.” Together, they explored what it takes for the performing arts to grow. Arts leaders, producers, festival directors, and cultural organizers from across the Asia-Pacific shared their experiences of discovering new work, supporting artists, and connecting performances with audiences.
Although every organisation has its own approach, one message was clear: strong arts ecosystems are created through people. Cultural organisations, producers, presenters, and festivals all play an important role in helping artists develop their work and create opportunities beyond the first performance.
Jeff Khan, Creative Director of Asia TOPA in Australia, spoke about how the festival connects Australia with the wider Asia-Pacific. Instead of looking inward, Asia TOPA creates opportunities for artists and audiences to discover new perspectives.
For Jeff, meaningful artistic engagement begins with curiosity about a rapidly changing world. “How much has the world changed?” he asked, explaining that this question often serves as the starting point for curating festivals and developing international partnerships. Equally important, he noted, is the opportunity to “hear from people you never hear from,” expanding perspectives through encounters with unfamiliar voices, stories, and experiences.
For Shireen Abdullah, Director Producer from Singapore’s Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, supporting artists means much more than presenting finished performances. It also means creating spaces where artists can meet, learn from mentors, and build professional networks. These experiences may not always be easy to measure, but they often leave a lasting impact on artists’ creative journeys.
Yoko Kawasaki, Co-Artistic Director of Kyoto Experiment in Japan, shared a similar perspective. She described festivals as a space where artists, researchers, and communities come together to ask questions rather than provide answers.
“Festival is not where you show something is right, or something is stronger.” Yoko said. Instead, festivals create space for the freedom to express, experimentation, dialogue, and new ways of thinking.
These ideas feel especially relevant for Cambodia’s performing arts sector.
As more Cambodian artists share their work internationally, opportunities to connect with presenters, producers, and fellow artists become just as important as financial support. Professional networks, cultural exchange, and mentorship help artists develop new ideas and reach new audiences. That is why we continue to create opportunities where Cambodian artists can meet professionals from across Asia and beyond. These exchanges strengthen individual artists while also helping our performing arts sector grow.
Rama Thaharani, Director of Indonesia’s Kelola Foundation, spoke openly about another challenge many arts communities share. Across Southeast Asia, artists often work in isolation and disconnected networks. Building stronger arts ecosystems means helping people find one another, collaborate, and share opportunities.
She also reminded us that long-term sustainability cannot rely only on international funding. Strong local support, public investment, and cultural policies all have an important role to play in helping the arts thrive.
Benoît Bradel, Director of Passages Transfestival in France, reflected on another important part of creating art: people. He shared that ambitious artistic projects begin with curiosity, but they become possible through the commitment and collaboration of artists, producers, presenters, and partners. Even with limited resources, strong relationships can help bring new ideas to life.
Perhaps the most memorable moment came from Peangdao Jariyapun, a core member of the Bangkok International Performing Arts Meeting (BIPAM) and an independent producer.
Looking back on years of working with artists across Asia, she summed up the value of cultural exchange in just a few words: “The beautiful friendship we have.”
Those friendships often lead to future collaborations, touring opportunities, and even funding. More importantly, they build trust. And trust creates the foundation for lasting artistic communities.
Through Chakto II, CLA continues to create spaces where artists and cultural professionals can connect, exchange ideas, and imagine new possibilities for Cambodia’s performing arts sector.
In a changing world, these connections matter. By bringing people together through artistic exchange, Chakto II contributes to a more connected, creative, and vibrant arts community in Cambodia and beyond.