Phare Ponleu Selpak is a renowned arts and cultural center in Battambang, Cambodia, dedicated to transforming lives through the power of creative expression.
The introduction on Phare Ponleu Selpak’s website explains the organization best: “Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), meaning “the brightness of art”, originated in 1986 in Site 2 Refugee Camp on the Thai border. The idea of a creative association, which would use art and expression to help young refugees overcome the trauma of war, emerged from drawing workshops held for children in the camps. This original idea continued after the refugees returned to their homeland, and PPS was formally founded in 1994 by a group of former Site 2 children.”
Over the years the PPS’s mission has expanded to support formal education, foster social action, and develop talent in the arts of circus, theater, music, and visual arts. They hold circus performances regularly and showcase other artists works at galleries on location and occasionally outside Battambang, all of which are done to support the social enterprise that is continuing to support disadvantaged Cambodian youth and their families.
When to Go
While performances by the circus troupe are typically scheduled each thursday, the actual schedule varies somewhat. The exhibitions of students’ artwork changes regularly. The galleries of art and the organization’s offices are generally open regularly. Arrive early for the circus performance and have a look at the other art on display and learn more about the efforts of this extraordinary social enterprise.
Getting There
Phare Ponleu Selpak is located a bit far from the center of town, down an alleyway that can be tricky to find; Ask your guesthouse for directions or take a tuk-tuk whose driver knows its location.
Need to Know
- What is It?: A social enterprise that provides assistance to young Cambodians and their families through artistic development, including a renowned circus troupe.
- Nearest Town: Phare Ponleu Selpak is located in central Batdambang town, which can be reached by bus from Phnom Penh in 4-5 hours, from Siem Reap (bus: 3 hours or boat: 7-10 hours), or from the Poipet and the Thai border (2 hours).
- Don’t Miss: A circus performance under a genuine big top!
- Trivia: Circus in Cambodia is not an odd as it may sound; evidence of circus performances at Angkor can be seen in carvings on Angkor Thom’s Elephant Terrace and Bayon temple.
- Opening hours: On performance nights: Welcome drink and Visual Art Exhibition at 6pm; circus performance at 6:45.
- Entrance fees: Child: $4, Adult: $8