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Battambang artists take their work to Phnom Penh

The Made in Battambang art exhibition is opening up in Phnom Penh this week. A group exhibition, this show brings together visual artists, living and working in Cambodia’s former commercial hub…

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Over the last few decades Battambang, one of Cambodia’s lesser known locales, has been transforming itself into an artistic hub.

Though it is one of the country’s most populous towns, it remains largely overlooked by visitors. Nestled on the Sangker River, southwest of the Tonle Sap Lake, Battambang has been quietly transforming itself into a center for the arts for the past few years.

In large part this is due to Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), a Battambang-based not-for-profit Cambodian association established in 1994 to help vulnerable children and their communities. Using their art schools, social supports and educational programs, PPS are looking to help rebuild their country through the recognition of Khmer art and culture.

Over the last 20 years, the organization has attracted an increasing number of children from difficult situations; streets kids, trafficked children and orphans are among PPS’s alumni.

This thriving centre for art excellence has spurred a revival of galleries in Battambang — contemporary spaces such as Maek Maek, Sammaki, and Lotus gallery are on the rise.

Taking their talent to Phnom Penh, the Made in Battambang exhibition brings together 25 artists who live and work in western Cambodian town. Featuring more than 100 contemporary works this exhibit presents the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Khmer art, present and future.

Check out the Made in Battambang exhibit on Facebook here.

Made In Battambang opens on Feb. 13 at 6.30pm with a live painting session at Institut Francais Cambodge, 218 Street 184. It runs until Mar. 25.Read more »