The experience: Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS: the brightness of art) is famous throughout Cambodia for its exploits in circus and performance. A Cambodian NGO created in 1994, the group originally performed in the refugee camps on the Thai border and is now based in Battambang in Northwest Cambodia. Visitors are welcomed to the centre and a variety of activities are on offer.
There are regular circus performances under the tent in the grounds, which are fun for all the family.
Acts include fire juggling, acrobatics and clowns, as well as some dance performances. It is also possible to enjoy traditional Khmer cuisine in the restaurant, as well as browse the permanent art exhibition on display. PPS also offers drawing workshops at the 11th century Angkorian temple of Wat Ek Phnom.
These are led by visual art students and are great way to get to know some young Cambodians. For those who want to get even closer to Khmer culture, PPS can arrange dinner and a homestay with a Cambodian family.
How it helps: Phare Ponleu Selpak focuses on rehabilitating street children, orphans, and children living in risky situations and providing them with a sustainable future through the understanding of art.
About 350 children are involved in artistic activities such as visual arts, music, circus, drama and dance, including teenagers and young adults. Students can choose artistic activities for leisure or vocational training to become a professional. PPS focuses on turning art into a sustainable activity by assisting students with the sale of their artistic creations, promoting their work through exhibitions and performances, and giving them the opportunity to redefine modern Cambodian art.
The artistic vocational training creates performance arts such as dance, circus and drama, plus music concerts and visual arts such as cartoons and exhibitions. The profit is split 40/40/20: 40% goes to the artists, 40% goes to the school the artist attends, and 20% goes to social services and the administration of PPS. If it was not for PPS they would have no way to raise their voices, even when it comes to their basic needs. Thus children in the centre acquire life skills, self-esteem and confidence, as they participate in the artistic and cultural development of their country.
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