INSPIRING CURIOSITY CAMBODIAN LIVING ARTS ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014

Children of Bassac monkey dancers performing part of the Golden Mermaid dance 3

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

If we want the arts sector and the arts to be sustainable, it’s more important than ever to keep investing in our leaders.”

Three years ago we made a bold decision employ another 50 artists. It will be fit- What’s really amazing is that we are al- to invest in Plae Pakaa, a performance ting given our theme for the year ahead ready starting to see it happen. platform in . It was a huge is Launching Careers. In 2014, we all worked so hard and I couldn’t be happier with what risk: running the program as an innova- In August this year at the Amatak Festi- tive social business. It was a vastly dif- From this experience, we are realizing val, we saw 12 troupes on stage during we’ve achieved. Of course I’m proud of our team and our work creating ferent approach than before, but one we that if we want the arts sector and the a weekend in which every performance thought critical to helping artists launch arts to be sustainable, it’s more important was standing-room only a great demon- decent jobs for the next generation, but what I’m most proud of is seeing sustainable careers. than ever to keep investing in our lead- stration of our commitment to inspiring our students start their own projects. When I see our young people being ers. This year we wrapped up the first curiosity. Seeing the tears of joy and pride PHLOEUN PRIM We fortunately found investors who be- year of our Creative Leaders program, in the Masters’ eyes as they watched their strong, creative and independent, I feel we are one step closer to peace Executive Director lieved in our vision and were able to culminating in eight arts leaders creat- students performing was one of the most and harmony for people all over the world.” build a beautiful theater at the National ing the Cambodian Arts Network. We are wonderful things for me, and I felt that the Museum to get us off the ground, but the about to launch the second year of this transfer from the old to the new genera- road hasn’t always been smooth. At the program and are so excited to see where tion was really coming around full-circle. end of the day, we learned from it all and these leaders will go next. ARN CHORN-POND today we are starting to see some exciting Coming into 2015, we are seeing Cambo- Founder of Cambodian Living Arts returns on our investment. In addition to the leaders program, we dian Living Arts evolving from the Masters have been focusing a great deal on our Teaching Program and inspiring curiosity We just closed a year in which we Professional Development program, giv- to this new era of launching careers.” reached the break-even point and earned ing artists the capacity and knowledge to more than 100K of income. We have launch sustainable, lifelong arts careers. seen 25,000 visitors over the course of We see this program as the core way of the three years and are now employing helping these cultural entrepreneurs to 120 artists – and, we are about to pilot a take control of their future in the next similar project in , which will few years.

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 OBJECTIVES & IMPACTS 4 COMMUNITY ARTS 5

OBJECTIVES IMPACTS

» High quality, traditional performing arts Reach of CLA-initiated classes: programs are being taught and practiced in communities throughout .

ENTERPRISE PROGRAM Community artists are generating income by running their troupe or other cultural business 9 1 19 BANTEAY as a sustainable enterprise. 95 2 RATANAKIRI MEANCHEY TEACHING PROGRAM SIEM REAP Communities are independently supporting and sustaining traditional performing art classes. 10 ARTS AWARENESS PROGRAM 42 1 The public has a greater understanding of KOMPONG THOM traditional performing art forms.

114 2

PHNOM PENH Dance 120 KOMPONG Music SPEU 11 Opera Independent classes 15 KANDAL TAKEO Singing Independent troupes

Large Shadow Puppetry Number of students

Audience at Amatak Festival INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 Mel Sophana far right FOCUS KHMER MAGIC MUSIC BUS 6 FOCUS 7 One of our main partners in implementing our Community Arts activities is the Khmer Magic Music Bus (KMMB). An initiative of CLA’s co-founder, Arn Chorn-Pond, the KMMB brings music to the countryside, where people rarely have access to live music and arts. The project is led by Thon Seyma, a female singer and dynamic entrepreneur.

CLA has spent the past year working with the KMMB team to create a business plan for their future, and provided support with training and resources. During the year, the KMMB was contracted to take three of our CLA troupes to the countryside for performances in the community, and it even became a flying bus, as the KMMB team helped to send two well-known Masters artists to Austria where they performed as part of the Glatt und Verkehrt Festival!

THON SEYMA, KMMB Founder & General Manager

We named this project the Khmer Magic When we founded the KMMB, I felt very stage, and build their network. I wish that in Music Bus because we believe that all artists excited and nervous, because we had future we can have ten magic music buses, who participate in the project become part the responsibility to make this project so when we travel around Cambodia people of a magic medicine that heals people’s sustainable. The project now develops step by say, oh here is the KMMB coming! MEL SOPHANA, Member of the Community of Living Chapey feelings through music. step. Sometimes we face challenges meeting artists and organizers, but it’s exciting. Yet, I CLA supports us with training. A training I would love to see more local support. found particularly useful was a three-day I’m told that playing Chapei is not worth spending any young people’s support in the arts. Otherwise, who will CLA has showed us the way towards self-sustainability. When I see budget management workshop. Before, I time on. But I love traditional arts and I keep practicing. continue the arts in this country? So now I’m practicing a It has provided new costumes and found a new place to I like to see women from villages we visit was just doing things without any method, lot of popular music to adapt it to Chapei. rehearse, but it also helped us promote ourselves and find villagers and artists get involved in the events, to show them but now I understand systems better. performance opportunities. We’ve benefited a lot from CLA’s dance and enjoy that a woman can also lead projects and CLA also brings ideas and finds artists to I believe that if culture I’m happy that this class transformed into a professional trainings, even if it wasn’t about Chapei specifically, but also travel across provinces. I want to show participate in the KMMB. Sometimes CLA flourishes, society also troupe. Thanks to CLA who gave us the opportunity to about other art forms, or sound and light or music notation. the music together them that everyone experiences difficulties rents the KMMB for their activities, and that explore new things. Before this troupe, I felt students were but can overcome them. money is used to develop the project. When improves. just coming to the class without creating strong relations In future I want to teach children in my village. People never like a family, we organize a performance, I want to pay with each other. But now we share a real group spirit! I want finish learning. I saw so many people who would love to that’s when I feel I want to bring more artists to the far the artists for their participation. We cannot To me, creating new songs with traditional roots is the way to have a space where we can feel free to give and receive study Chapei and don’t have any chance to, so if you get countryside where people have never had always ask artists to volunteer. And CLA to bring youth back to this art form, to show them that feedback and knowledge. We’re also working on improving this opportunity, don’t lose it!” most excited about the chance to experience art, and help helps us find more paid work for them.” Chapei can be dynamic. It’s important to have the the staging of our performances. this project! artists be more confident, perform better on

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 SAMKHUON SARAVUTH 8 AMATAK FESTIVAL Member of the Yike Amatak Troupe 9 AUGUST 15-17, 2014 Amatak Festival was a very new experience for me and I felt excited to be part of it. Taking part in the production of a new Yike piece, Kandol Kesei, OBJECTIVES comprised of ten amateur and professional was especially new to me. I didn’t know the story, and I had to perform a troupes that recently emerged from CLA- new kind of character that I wasn’t used to before. It was very interesting and » Cambodian youth believe that traditional initiated classes of traditional performing I think the audience enjoyed the piece. arts are creative, dynamic and relevant arts. The goal was for the troupes to produce to them their own performance piece: something The festival was not only good for my troupe but for other participating » Emerging artists perform, create new traditional but at the same time a brand new troupes. They all had to show a new piece and this really encouraged work and gain leadership experience creation. We held discussion groups and creativity. This was a great opportunity for audiences to learn more about » Local booking agencies and potential workshops, performances and open mics. Cambodia’s rich culture: event coordinators know new artistic The opening ceremony was also the occasion talents and the diversity of traditional to celebrate 15 years of CLA’s work, and we performing arts invited Master Artists who have been with us We don’t only have old stories but » CLA celebrates 15 years of work since the beginning of our journey. also new ones that are relevant to Amatak means “eternal” in the Khmer today’s society. language. The name was chosen to represent n 8 workshops our idea of “living” arts, art that is creative n 240 workshop participants and new, while at the same time coming n 3 discussion groups Also, the festival was mostly for Cambodian audiences and I was happy to from traditional art styles. Amatak also n 70 discussion participants see more local young people showing interest in traditional arts. I myself represents our goal of creating self-sustaining n 1,500 spectators learnt a lot about other art forms – especially Thon music, as I had never infrastructure allowing Cambodian arts to n 10 performing troupes heard about it before.“ propagate and continue into the future. n ½ of spectators attended a Cambodian arts performance for the 1st time Amatak Festival was held at CLA’s Plae n 25 photo contest participants Pakaa stage at the National Museum and the n 10 spectators enquired about learning campus of the Royal University of Fine Arts traditional arts Thank you to our Amatak Festival partners. over a weekend in Phnom Penh. The program

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 Bo Large Shadow Puppet troupe performs TIMELINE at Shinta Mani Resort as 10 part of Our City Festival 11 in Siem Reap

CLA provides new costumes to CLA-initiated As part of UNESCO’s troupes of Kantaoming, Global Arts Education Demonstration of Pin Peat, Chapei Dang Week, CLA holds Smot chanting for 300 Weng and Sounds demonstrations of Chapei students at Chrey Ho of , and new Dang Weng, Classical Phnov High School instruments to Classical and Folk Dance and resulting in a process to Wedding Music, Pin Peat Mohaori music at Preah integrate the Smot class and Mohaori troupes Sisowath High School, into the school’s program, Mith Samlanh and increasing class enrolment Demonstration of Classical Norton University, from just 7 students to Wedding Music for 250 for 450 students in over 100 in May 2014 in pupils from the primary Phnom Penh Kampong Speu province school in Siem Reap NOV. 2013 DEC. 2013 JAN. 2014 FEB. 2014 MAR. 2014 APR. 2014 MAY 2014 JULY 2014 AUG. 2014 SEPT. 2014 FUTURE FUTURE

Demonstration of Mohaori Demonstration of folk Teacher Sour Vanna CLA-initiated Chapei Dang Demonstration of Yike Demonstration of Pin Peat CLA-sustained 3 demonstrations of CLA hosts Amatak Festival, Pin Peat demonstration In 2014-2015, we want to continue our work of supporting singing at break-dancing dances by the Children of and his students from Weng class in Phnom traditional theater at and Kantaoming music for Chapei Dang Weng class Mohaori, Angkorian music a two-day youth art festival at Wat Langka pagoda for CLA-initiated troupes or classes to achieve complete NGO, Tiny Toones, reaching Bassac troupe for 105 adult Pin Peat and Mohaori music Penh organizes its first Cambodian Art organization, 40 students of child-support becomes the Community and Classical and Folk attracting 1,500 spectators 30 monks and residents independence, so that we can begin to offer our services out to over 50 children in students from the National classes, sustained by CLA own demonstration with Khmer Arts, with 120 organization, Green Gecko of Living Chapey troupe Dance at Wat Koh High in Phnom Penh in Phnom Penh to new groups and artists in the coming years. Phnom Penh Institute of Education in to date, create the Dondrey 120 attendees in Takeo attendees, in collaboration Project, in Siem Reap in Phnom Penh School and World Bridge Community of Living Phnom Penh Mongkol troupe (“music province with Peace Corps as part International School in As part of this work we will: Classical Wedding Music for happiness”) in Kandal of Create Cambodia Festival The Yike Amatak troupe With support from the Phnom Penh and Chapey performs at n Provide targeted training to troupes and teachers class, sustained by CLA Pin Peat class moves from province Chapei Master, Suon San, in Kandal province performs in front of 500 U.S. Embassy of Phnom Krosaing Roloeung High Ponleu Vichie Center n Invest in equipment and materials needed by the troupes to date, is integrated into White Building to Wat retires and teacher Pich spectators as part of a Penh, CLA releases School in Siem Reap, in collaboration with n Support curriculum development and administration grass-roots aid organization, Langka pagoda which CLA-trained drummers Sarath, takes over the class collaboration with Khmer Never Fall Down in Khmer, reaching 360 students KMMB in Kandal province Singing Kites, in Takeo provides free practice space perform in cyclo parade as at Champey Arts Academy Magic Music Bus in La Ang a novel by Patricia needed to make classes in schools sustainable in Phnom Penh part of Our City Festival in in Phnom Penh village, McCormick about Arn Master Suon San, Kong Gne n Conduct 21 demonstrations in communities across Cambodia Phnom Penh Chorn-Pond’s life during and Mel Sophana perform Wat Bo Large Shadow the , with Chapei Dang Weng as part Puppet troupe performs Artists from CLA-initiated Arn and the book’s main of the Guiyang Summer ACTUALS OCTOBER 2014 OBJECTIVES OCTOBER 2015 for New Year’s Eve, Yike theater class create the editor, Va Samath, at Festival of Indigenous Music 6 independent classes 17 independent classes in collaboration with Yike Amatak troupe Pannasastra University of in Guiyang, China KMMB on Ochheuteal Cambodia in Phnom Penh 453 students 610 students beach in Sihanoukville KMMB brings 2 well-known Masters to Glatt und Verkehrt 23 demonstrations 27 demonstrations Festival, Austria

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 OBJECTIVES & IMPACTS 12 LEARNING 13 AND LEADERSHIP OBJECTIVES IMPACTS OVERALL PROGRAM SCHOLARSHIPS n CLA makes a strategic effort to increase accessibility » The arts sector is fully staffed with well-trained arts ARN CHORN-POND LIVING ARTS across the program, balancing the number of professionals working at international standards SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM scholarships awarded to female and male students, » CLA’s trainees are identifiable in the arts sector for increasing the recipients from outside of Phnom their skills and professionalism 2010-11 Penh, and encouraging applicants from all students n CLA creates a pilot scholarship program irrespective of whether they are already associated ARN CHORN-POND LIVING ARTS n 5 scholarships with CLA or not SCHOLARSHIPS n 200+ applications received The level of professionalism increases amongst those n 22 scholarships working in the arts sector, while those with great 2011-12 potential go on to become leaders, using creativity n The scholarship program is redesigned and renamed and curiosity. after the organization’s co-founder n A selection committee is created to ensure a fair 2013-2014 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM selection process n CLA facilitates the creation of a strong network between Artists, administrators and technical specialists have n 90 applications received scholarship students through quarterly meetings to the skills and experience they need to secure regular, n 6 scholarships discuss issues related to the arts, share experiences paid work in the arts. and knowledge, and visit inspiring arts initiatives n 100+ applications received LIVING ARTS FELLOWS PROGRAM 2012-2013 n 25 scholarships Through a year-long program, fellows develop n CLA creates an Artistic Skills Development in-depth expertise in universal themes related to scholarship, and a Non-Artistic Skills for Artists culture, cultural leadership and sustainable society, scholarship, to build skills for arts careers advancing their own practice in the field.

Scholarship students meet at their monthly meeting INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM LIVING ARTS 14 2013-2014 FELLOWS 15 WHAT WHO LED BY Costumes in traditional performing arts: PROGRAM 15 artists & students Traditional costumes expert, Mrs. Ung what they are and how to wear them Epic Encounters, a workshop on contemporary dance, 18 artists & students Inclusive Arts organization, Epic Arts art with performers of varying physical abilities and road safety Western Opera: 6 artistic 14 artists & students Opera expert & PhD, Ralf Eisinger history, voice techniques, acting, rehearsal and preparation By the end of the 2013 Creative Leaders workshops Course, our pilot fellowship program with Music notation 8 artists & students Cambodian music instructor, Soy Tola DAY 5x5 PROGRAMS eight arts professionals, we facilitated 5x PhD student in , five-day programs covering leadership, Khmer literature and song lyrics: history and meaning 8 artists & students Trent Walker relationships, challenges and community. We also reviewed Voice technique and music creation 15 artists & students French music teacher Gabriel Laurent the participants’ future practice as leaders for creative change which lead to the formation of an independent association for CLA Creative Industries Manager, Promoting a troupe through social media, part 1 & 2 19 artists and arts students arts managers named CAN (Cambodian Arts Network.) Melissa Im TOB RITHY, Singer and CLA Scholar The art of debating and problem solving, topic: 8 artists and students PUC debate club leader, Som Sothea Over January to September 2014, we then reflected on the pilot 5 professional Gender Equality in the Arts skills workshops program and prepared for the new Living Arts Fellows program In 2012 I was lucky enough to receive a I try to join as many workshops as I can, and my Accountant and bankruptcy to start in January 2015. scholarship from CLA which allowed me to study next step is to become a real expert in Smot. Budget monitoring, saving and debt management 9 artists and students consultant, Cecilia Beirne with a widely recognized teacher, Master Yan Designing promotional material 7 artists and students Computer teacher, Kong Map Borin, and that really helped me to improve my practice. This really changed my life and that’s There’s no secret. It’s 15 Cambodian & Fusion music drumming parade and performance in Kandal province - when I started feeling confident about my future. 12 Madagascan artists just hard work and a 12 Cambodian artists & Israeli lot of practice! It’s also Wind instrument music exchange - Regular meetings and debates were held 4 international musician, Amir Gwirtzman between the CLA scholars, and that helped me necessary to learn how exchanges 20 Cambodian musicians & OneBeat to gain a lot of confidence with speaking in History and demonstration of American traditional music - American fellow, Sarah Alden public. Before each debate, we had to conduct to find performance research in teams and prepare our presentation, 28 Cambodian artists & Australian Puppetry exchange - opportunities. puppeteer, Peter Wilson so that helped me improve my team-work skills, and it also helped me to understand more about 9 artists At demonstrations, in collaboration with Khmer Magic Music Bus, 120 performers - the arts from a broader perspective. During the I feel that studying and performing Smot, as showcases or during CLA events like exhibition openings meetings every scholar was able to share their well as composing new Smot songs, is part of 4 arts awareness Attending Cambodian contemporary dance and circus performances, own knowledge and experiences. Everyone developing society and that is important as a 64 art students - activities and volunteering in the organization of Amatak Festival came from different backgrounds and was way to keep this art form alive and well known.” studying different art forms, so that brought interesting and diverse views.

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 TIMELINE FUTURE 16 17

ARN CHORN-POND LIVING ARTS SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM In 2014-2015, we want to: n Introduce half-scholarships to enable more students to complete their training n Deepen CLA’s engagement and mentoring role with the scholarship students, by: - Increasing frequency of workshops from quarterly to monthly - Creating a communication group to strengthen networking, communication and dialogue between scholarship students and CLA - Encouraging each scholarship student to set a goal for their scholarship year and assess their progress through reflective practice ACTUALS OCTOBER 2014 OBJECTIVES OCTOBER 2015

15 scholarship students graduated or secure work as arts professionals 60 scholarship students graduated or secure work as arts professionals

38 students offered scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year 25 students are offered scholarships for the 2015-16 school year

Note: As the Scholarship Program evolves, CLA has identified that the ideal number of scholarship students is around 25 to ensure quality interaction with the program staff.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM DEC. 2013 FEB. 2014 MAR. 2014 APR. 2014 MAY 2014 JUN. 2014 JUL. 2014 AUG. 2014 In 2014-2015, we want to: n Increase activities to engage students and professionals outside of CLA’s established network n Publicize a schedule of workshops and trainings n Increase the quality of training activities Workshop on Workshop on how to Workshop on debating Workshop on how to Music exchange Workshop on budgeting, Music notation workshop 5 scholarship students costumes in traditional promote a troupe through skills and problem solving, promote a troupe through and performance with saving and debt for Chapei Dang Weng volunteer at LIVING ARTS FELLOWS PROGRAM performing arts social media, part 1 using the topic of gender social media, part 2 Israeli musician, management musicians Amatak Festival In 2014-2015, we want to: equality in the arts Amir Gwirtzman n Launch the new program in January 2015 Creative Leaders’ Epic Encounters Music exchange with Workshop on Khmer n exhibition at CLA on contemporary dance Workshop voice and American traditional literature and Khmer songs Conduct 4x three-day Living Art Labs featuring case studies, speakers and ideas from around the world their learning and workshop on road safety acting techniques, and musician, Sarah Alden lyrics’ history n Organize a visit to Myanmar to facilitate networking and explore culture, values, dynamics of tradition and experiences introduction to history of and meaning n Support fellows to produce independent and group research work for sharing in the public domain Western Opera Voice technique and music EXPECTED 2015 RESULTS: Drumming and music creation workshop n 4-6 fellows Selected exchange with a female n 3 Living Arts Labs (fourth lab will fall in 2015-2016) group of Afro-brazilian Workshop on producing n 2 people nominated to participate in the Salzburg Global Forum for Young Cultural Innovators percussion, Bloco promotional materials Malagasy INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES 18 KNOWLEDGE, 19

NETWORKS & POLICY A strong and well developed arts sector TRAINING & EMPLOYMENT NEEDS This survey will be used as a building block in a wider needs to be supported by an enabling policy ASSESSMENT ON CAMBODIAN European Union supported project, “Capacity building and PERFORMING ARTS SECTOR environment, which requires stakeholders professionalization of Cambodian performing arts sector SEPTEMBER 2013 – AUGUST 2014 towards a sustainable cultural industry”, collaboratively led at all levels to have access to information by Phare Ponleu Selpak, Krousar Thmey, Collectif Clowns and spaces for dialogue. In this area, CLA OBJECTIVES d’ici et d’ailleurs, Chantiers-Ecole de Formation Profession- runs a range of activities to help strengthen » Understand the work conditions of Cambodian nelle, and CLA between March 2014 and February 2017. networks and knowledge sharing about performing arts professionals » Identify areas where performing arts professionals The results from this survey will be used by all partners to Cambodian arts. From supporting academic need training to develop their career ensure actions are targeted and effective as they implement 2013 research into art forms, to conducting our » Make results available to public and arts community the project activities over the coming53 years. own sector-wide survey about employment conditions for artists, we are interested Between September 2013 and May 2014, CLA conducted SNAPSHOT OF SURVEY RESULTS and analyzed a survey on training and employment needs in increasing awareness nationally and 2013 in the performing arts sector in Cambodia, responding to 53 % internationally about arts and culture in a lack of benchmarks to guide us to implement our own 2013 Cambodia today. Through this program activities. In August 2014 CLA released a report in both 53 33 we also raise awareness of Cambodian English and Khmer with findings from the survey. “Cambodian artists per- “33% of artists have an- perspectives through participation in regional formed in average 53 other job unrelated% to arts The survey focused on researching the fees and work times in the year 2013.” as income33 complement.” and global festivals and conferences. policies of performing arts professionals, their training 53%2013 needs to develop careers, and on specific barriers that 33 prevent them from professional development. CAMBODIAN ARTS NETWORK 14 private performances becomes 36 A representative sample of over 460 arts professionals was “Artists earn on average “A woman works on In 2013, CLA’s pilot fellowship program led to the formation surveyed, including artists from theater, music, circus and $92 per month% from their average 20 mn more than of Cambodian Arts Network (CAN). CAN is a membership dance, and other arts professionals such as technicians, performance33 activity.” a man for a performance organization connecting all individuals, organizations and managers or other supporting actors. Both urban and to finally170 earn $2 less per 14 private performances becomes 36 160 170 become 160 groups working within the arts together. CLA continues to rural areas were investigated, including Phnom Penh, the 14 privatehour performances worked.” becomes 36 support them as they grow. province of Battambang, Siem Reap, Kandal, Kampong Cham, Takeo, and Kampot. This survey, the first of its kind in Cambodia, has been partially170 160 funded by the European Union. 170 become 160 170 14 private performances becomes 36 160 170 become 160

CLA leads Wat Bo large shadow puppet troupe at World Puppet Festival in Bangkok INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 170 160 170 become 160 TIMELINE 20 21

SEP. 2013 OCT. 2013 NOV. 2013 DEC. 2013 JAN. 2014 MAR. 2014 APR. 2014 MAY 2014 JUN. 2014

Distribution of Training & Multimedia exhibition Chhnang! Country Manager, Frances Data collected for the Training & The Training & Employment Needs A scholarship student and Executive Director, Phloeun Prim, Executive Director, Phloeun Prim, CLA’s 15th anniversary exhibition Employment Needs Assessment opens, showcasing traditional Rudgard, joins the regional Employment Needs Assessment Assessment project starts with band leader of Community of speaks at the United Nations and Associate Country Manager, is held at CLA office questionnaires and contemporary pottery meeting of IFACCA – International is analyzed design methodology planning Living Chapey represents CLA Alliance of Civilizations Special Seng Song, attend and featuring a dance by the Federation of Arts Councils and at a music conference hosted Panel at the Beijing Forum, The 9th International Conference Yike Amatak troupe about Culture Agencies in Malaysia CLA is included as a case study by regional music education in China on “South East Asian Cultural traditional pots in Asia Europe Foundation’s magazine, Music Education Asia, Values: Cultural Diversity and publication on best practices in Country Manager, Frances in Singapore Regional Integration”, Executive Director, Phloeun Prim, the creative industries Rudgard, and Board Member, in Siem Reap travels to Austria to be a speaker in CLA wins Wenhui Award, Maria Fernandez Sabau, attend Salzburg Global Seminar, Session Educational Innovation for the World Cultural Forum 532: “Conflict Transformation Cultural Expression in Bali, Indonesia Through Culture: Peace-Building and the Arts”

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 OBJECTIVES IMPACTS 22 CREATIVE INDUSTRIES 23

» Arts professionals can find regular, fairly-paid work in the plae pakaa arts & culture sector, supported by Cambodian audiences Plae Pakaa is a program designed to provide regular paid job opportunities for our artists and serve » Within 3 years, 50% of CLA’s audiences in Cambodia as a platform for arts professionals, including artists and production managers, and for engaging new are Cambodian audiences. In 2013 and 2014, we increased our national audiences from 10% to 17%. » Within 5 years, 50% of CLA’s funding is generated by our Cambodian operations. YEAR ON YEAR RESULTS 2012-2013 2013-2014 In 2013-2014, the Creative Industries team started to re-brand and re-structure our cultural offerings. What was known as HIGH SEASON Living Arts Tours expanded to Living Arts Experiences with October 2012 – March 2013 October 2013 – March 2014 new services including private performances, workshops n 6,000 visitors n 7,000 visitors and lessons. Living Arts Experiences also includes our past n 120 arts professionals employed n 120 arts professionals programs, most notably Plae Pakaa. The below objectives use n #2 attraction in Phnom Penh on TripAdvisor.com n #1 cultural attraction in Phnom Penh on TripAdvisor.com this new format, while the results for this reporting period n 5 press articles and multimedia broadcasts, n 5 press articles and multimedia broadcasts, reflect the old structure. in English & French in English & Khmer n 24 hotels and tours secured as sales partners LIVING ARTS EXPERIENCES Visitors form deep, emotional bonds to Cambodia’s unique LOW SEASON* cultural heritage, engaging their long-term support of CLA and May 2013 – September 2013 June 2014 – August 2014 Cambodian arts through CLA’s cultural offerings. n 1,700 visitors n 1,500 visitors n 120 arts professionals employed n 120 arts professionals PLAE PAKAA n #2 attraction in Phnom Penh on TripAdvisor.com n #1 cultural attraction in Phnom Penh on TripAdvisor.com Emerging arts professionals experience the entire production n 5 English and Khmer press articles and multimedia broadcasts n 8 press articles and multimedia broadcasts, in English & process behind a show, and learn what it means to work as a n 12 hotels and tours secured as sales partners Khmer professional artist. n 24 hotels and tours secured as sales partners n 1 new show, The Spirit Within PRIVATE PERFORMANCES CLA becomes known as the leading supplier of high-quality, traditional Cambodian performing arts by audiences who truly * Our low season 2012-2013 ran for 5 months, however in 2013-2014 we reduced the season to 3 months following assessment value and respect these forms. of the past year’s data. The reduced season allowed for greater production efficiencies around the rainy season, however in future years, we anticipate to expand the season again with greater marketing support and resourcing to overcome seasonal challenges. GROUP WORKSHOPS CLA provides engaging, in-depth learning sessions that provide This year, Plae Pakaa Phnom Penh broke even for the first time after three years – this is a huge participants and artists with a dynamic exchange. achievement as we are now on the road to operating a sustainable social business.

Children of Bassac artists on Plae Pakaa stage INSPIRE CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 24 25

the spirit private living group within performances arts tours workshops Chhorn Sina is on the left

The Spirit Within is the result of a 6-week Thank you to the European The Creative Industries Team continues to The Creative Industries Team invite With the recent restructuring of the Creative CHHORN SINA workshop led by French-Khmer playwright Union for supporting the creation encourage corporate companies, tourism individuals and small groups to observe Industries program, we have introduced Jean-Baptiste Phou in line with our objective of this new piece partners, and individuals to invite our our classes and rehearsals for a behind the group workshops to expand our cultural Plae Pakaa Performer and Troupe Leader to create new pieces to be featured in the trained artists to perform at events. scenes look at the arts. From 2015, this offerings, reach new audiences and provide program. The artists were closely involved program will be absorbed into the newly new income opportunities and professional During the first Plae Pakaa season, is even stricter! He looks at all of the in every step of the creative process and REVIEWED ON TRIP ADVISOR branded, Living Arts Experiences. experiences for our artists. Over this period I was just a performer, and for the details. He comes to a practice with Support from developed new appreciation for their craft. we have facilitated 14 workshops. second season I was asked to become a clear vision in mind, and he wants our audiences is The workshop culminated into a stunning “We were recommended to visit this YEAR ON YEAR RESULTS YEAR ON YEAR RESULTS the troupe leader. That was when we performers to act exactly that way. For production which takes audiences through show from another NGO organization. It reworked Passage of Life and created example, we became very strict with very important; the rituals and ceremonies of Cambodian life was fantastic, the artists were brilliant and The Spirit Within with direction from people learning their script by heart and it’s what gives overlaid with a beautiful narrative about a it was a brilliant cause to be a part of.” Jean-Baptiste Phou. I felt excited but entering the stage at the exact right time. us the energy young girl struggling between the traditional – August, 2014 14 36 170 160 also nervous. The Plae Pakaa program and modern life. It was premiered during seemed very professional, so I really We premiered The Spirit Within as part to keep going.” Amatak Festival in August and included in “Performed in a very nice and intimate 2012-2013 2013-2014 2012-2013 2013-2014 wanted to make this piece high quality. of the Amatak Festival and received the Plae Pakaa high season. outdoor theatre. The performance itself 14 private 36 private 170 visitors 160 visitors Jean-Baptiste kept encouraging me. positive feedback from the audiences. was great and easy to follow even performances for performances for I learnt a lot from him in terms of Yet, we still wanted to improve it and without the use of the subtitles.” 4 troupes 5 troupes leadership. I thought I was strict but he we haven’t stopped practicing since. – August, 2014

INSPIRE CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 TIMELINE FUTURE 26 27 PLAE PAKAA PROGRAM In 2014-2015, we want to: n Start Plae Pakaa in Siem Reap with 2 rotating performances n Continue trend of breaking even for Plae Pakaa Phnom Penh n Prepare a new show to launch in 2015-16 ACTUALS OBJECTIVES OCTOBER 2014 OCTOBER 2015 120 artists have got paid work 150 artists have got paid work through Plae Pakaa through Plae Pakaa

17% of tickets sold to 20% of tickets sold to Cambodian nationals Cambodian nationals

4 new pieces created 6 new pieces created for Plae Pakaa for Plae Pakaa

PRIVATE PERFORMANCES PROGRAM OCT. 2013 NOV. 2013 DEC. 2013 JAN. 2014 FEB. 2014 MAR. 2014 APR. 2014 MAY 2014 JUN. 2014 JUL. 2014 AUG. 2014 SEP. 2014 In 2014-2015, we want to: n Build a stronger team to manage the earned-income requests and services n Solidify and market our Living Arts Experiences offerings includ- ing private performances, group workshops and lessons Plae Pakaa’s high Creative Industries New cultural CLA welcomes Highest number of Plae Pakaa’s high New seats are Build new and Plae Pakaa’s low Dance workshop Plae Pakaa’s low Plae Pakaa breaks season starts team sells products products booth 10 visitors on ticket sales at Plae season ends and added to the Plae improved changing season starts with with Arn Chorn- season ends and even for the ACTUALS OBJECTIVES at Women is added to the Cultural Pakaa Phnom Penh attracts 7,000 Pakaa theatre rooms for artists at a full house due to Pond and artists attracts 1,500 first time OCTOBER 2014 OCTOBER 2015 New Creative International Group Plae Pakaa at the Delegation tour visitors expanding capacity Plae Pakaa tourism night for PhD candidates visitors Industries Manager Christmas Fair National Museum to 150 from University of Dance performance 3 independent troupes 5 independent troupes joins team CLA voucher for Interviews with Plae Pakaa hosts Cologne, Germany Creative Industries for ASEAN tourism partners is local radio U.S. Embassy night team participates in conference hosted 18 solo artists booked 20 solo artists booked introduced including NRG Sofitel by the Ministry and Radio Tonle to wedding fair of Labor GROUP WORKSHOPS Offer first Living promote Plae Pakaa Arts Experience Performance of In 2014-2015, we want to: group workshop Performance for Living Arts Night at n Develop the quality of the program and increase the number Exo Travel annual music venue, Doors of sessions booked conference n Train artists to be confident and engaging workshop facilitators Premiere of Spirit n Expand our audiences across different countries Within at the Amatak Festival staged at the Plae Pakaa Theater

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 FINANCIAL INFORMATION CLA’S TEAM 28 29

In 2013-14, we completed an operational transition from a program of fiscal sponsor and parent organization, The Marion Institute, to an independent corporation with non-profit and 501(c)3 status. We are now operating as an independent international NGO in Cambodia, and are able to run a leaner operation with improved systems management and integration across development, administration and finance.

We would like to thank The Marion Institute staff and board for the five years of support and partnership, and thank all of you who made the transition project possible.

INCOME EXPENSES Contributions $ 401,500 Program $ 479,100 Earned Income $ 172,000 General Management $ 164,000 Phloeun Prim Vision Fund $ 154,700 Fundraising $ 85,100 Creative Industries Team Executive Director Program Team Grants $ 31,200 Transition Project $ 31,200 Melissa Im, Creative Industries Manager Ly Vathana, Sales and Marketing Manager Eam Solinda, Program Coordinator Pok Sarith, Facilities Coordinator Total $ 759,400 Total $ 759,400 Tith Nimol, Intern Soun Sopheak, Program Coordinator Chin Vanoeun, Program Coordinator Chhuon Sarin, Program Manager Yon Sokhorn, Program Coordinator Chit Soklunn, Program Coordinator CLA INCOME SOURCES CLA EXPENDITURE (Oct. 1, 2013 – Sept. 30, 2014) (Oct. 1, 2013 – Sept. 30, 2014)

4% 4% Vision Fund Transition project Frances Rudgard 11% Country Manager 20% Fundraising Development & Communication Team Earned income Alex Carley, Development Coordinator Olivia Wynne, Senior Development & Communications Manager Heng Samnang, Communications Officer Gillian Rhodes, Senior Management Assistant Learning & Leadership Team Finance & Administration Team 52% 22% 63% Marion Gommard, Communications Manager Contributions General Programs Special thanks to Em Solinda, Program Coordinator Lor Veasna, Office Coordinator Management Lisa Yankowski for working as Development Tith Nimol, Intern Seng Tharin, Administration & Finance Coordinator Manager for most of the reporting period. Chin Vanoeun, Program Coordinator Kuon Manith, Administration & Finance Manager Pich Leak, Cleaner Pich Panha, Guard Song Seng U.S. Coordinator 23% Associate Grants Country Manager Glenn Rosenberg

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 BOARD THANK YOU 30 31

A WORD FROM CAMBODIAN CAMBODIAN We would like to express our gratitude to all of our donors, partners, supporters and volunteers; none of our work would be possible without your endless generosity. OUR BOARD CHAIR LIVING ARTS’ LIVING ARTS’ Every contribution – whether it takes the form of money, time, skills or advocacy – is invaluable. BOARD LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Thank you for your commitment to helping us transform Cambodia through the arts.

R. Kelley Bonn, Richard Chappell, Mary Read, Martin Dunn, INNOVATORS ($30,000+) SUSTAINERS ($1,000+) Ann Richards & William Nitze David Pritchard Chair of the Board Sound Engineer, Peter Gabriel Company Director President of Dunn R. Kelley Adrienne Rudge Spencer Purinton Real World Studios Development Corporation Bonn Retired Bank Executive Sydney, Australia John Burt Alice & William Burnham Sand County Charitable Foundation Paul Remus Hartford, CT, USA Wiltshire, UK New York, NY, USA Common Sense Fund Henry & Kathleen Chalfant Sherry L. Schwartz Sherry & William Rogers CHAIR OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Veng Sereyvuth, Dunn Family Charitable Foundation James Collins & Patricia Brownell Veng Sereyvuth Rita Rohrberg Charley Todd, Rachel Cooper, Former Senior Minister; Kevin B. Jennings, European Union Jean M. Cortner Graham Shrimpton Elaine Seiler Director, Global Performing Former Minister of Tourism; Executive Director, The Arcus Fresh Sound Foundation Mary Cronson Brian Tobin & William Short Joseph & Augusta Stanislaw This has been a year of great transition for CLA Board President Retired School Head Arts and Special Cultural Former Minister of Culture, Foundation Elizabeth Cuthbert-Millett Andrew Wallerstein & Mary Sloane Seray Tung – we have gone from many years as a program of a CREATORS ($20,000+) Mary B. Davidson Dana & Gregory White Phnom Penh, Cambodia & Initiatives, Asia Society Royal Government of New York, NY, USA & Bruce Waxman U.S. based umbrella organization to our own standing Carol Dugger Kim Williams Putney, VT, USA New York, NY USA Cambodia London, England as an independent 501c3 – and a stand-alone NGO UNESCO – Wenhui Award Patrick & Mary Fowles Reid Williams CONTRIBUTORS (UP TO $499) Phnom Penh, Cambodia in Cambodia. A huge step for us as an organization. Dana White Christopher & Katherine Gilson Theresa Wing Hines Kudos to so many who worked so diligently to make this Steven B. Miller, Maria Fernandez Scot Stafford, Catherine E. Heald Hope & Grant Winthrop Vera Aakharov happen. I want to recognize Phloeun for his leadership Secretary & Chair of Sabau, Him Sophy Principal Composer for the PATRONS ($10,000+) Marshall & Elena Jespersen Eric Wong Ron & Judy Ablow and the CLA staff who were tireless in their efforts to Governance Committee Cultural Consultant Composer Pollen Music Group Krystyna Jurzykowski Valencia Foundation Renuka Agarwal make this transition a success. International Executive Phnom Penh, Cambodia Phnom Penh, Cambodia San Rafael, CA, USA Betsy Cohen & Friends Ian S. & Nancy A. Koenig Connie Baher & Lawyer The Bromley Charitable Trust Cynthia Lamberton SUPPORTERS ($500+) Carol Bahruth We are now truly in control of our own destiny in New York, NY, USA Dr Richard C. Helfer, Hannah Stevens, Alec White, Martin Dunn & Rachel Fine Nancy Lassalle Christopher Baker Garfield Foundation - Michael & Margie Baldwin Seth & Amy Miller William Bissell David Benaim achieving our organizational vision. We have set the Founding Chairman Raffles Associate Director of Amrita CLA Boston Area Chapter Wendy vanden Heuvel Steven B. Miller John Camm Broughton Alexandra Beschenar stage – not only in Cambodia, but also internationally. Beni Chhun, Hotels & Resorts, Performing Arts Leader, Retired Educator Alec & Anne White Grace Morgan Beni Chhun Charles & Barbara Bickford Chair of Development Chairman CREO Lifestyle Phnom Penh, Cambodia Byfield, MA, USA There is an interest in the Cambodian story and in today’s Anne Murdock Beth & Linzee Coolidge Matthew Bickert International Pte Ltd & RCH cultural dynamic that resonates with a broader audience. Committee BENEFACTORS ($5,000+) Dave & Gail Myllenbeck Rachel Cooper Edward Bonoff I am so proud of all that we have achieved over our 15 Senior Marketing Manager, International Pte Ltd Dana B. White, Carol Newell Carol Dance Karen A. Bovard year history at CLA. We have succeeded at each stage American Express Singapore For-profit/non-profit leader Olivia Bernard Northern Trust Marquis George MacDonald Michael Harris Renee Brant of our development and grown to take on increasingly New York, NY USA and global travel designer R. Kelley & Walter Bonn Foundation Steve & Ellen Harris Sarah Brovman greater challenges. It is our responsibility to leverage Grace Morgan, Dover, MA, USA Graces Jones Richardson Trust - Issa Van Dyk Diane Parton Liz Keating Patricia & David Buck the success of what we have accomplished to continue John Burt Senior Governance Specialist, Duncan & Ellen McFarland Shanny Peer Katharine King Julie Butler Ken Pelletier Brewster Perkins Julia Loewenthal Juan Calderon to make a real difference in Cambodia and share the Founding Board Chair World Bank Susan Winthrop Charley Todd Kathleen Peroff George Miller Michael Caplan & Melissa Robin experience with others. ” Emeritus & Chair, Season of New Delhi, India Community Volunteer U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh Richard & Joanie Purinton C. Arthur & Kevin Patton-Hock Lindsay H. Cavanagh Cambodia, NYC 2013 Ipswich, MA, USA Frederic & Susan Winthrop Mary Read Dan Phillips Bob Chanly New York, NY USA

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 THANK YOU 32 33

CONTRIBUTORS (UP TO $499) Colette Heiple Yaiza Morales Robert Snow SUPPORTERS RESEARCHERS Pao Sokpin Continued Frank Heiple Cindy Nielsen Viera Stano Peng Srey Pich Psalms Heiple Thana Nop Margot Stern Strom AfID Catherine Grant Phat Rathana Diana Chea Alejandro Hernandez Kevin O’Neil David Stoker Amansara Resort Siem Reap Edouard Fouqueray Pich Rothvoleak Nerou Cheng Mary Ann Hendron Nicholas Orem Nancy Storrow & Robert Nassau Media Patrick Kersale Pov Punisa Viravyne Chhim Victoria L. Hendrickson Sarah Owen Patricia Sullivan Intercontinental Hotel Phnom Penh Rin Naro Butter Choun Jessica Hendricks Anna M. Palmboom & Jeremy Beckett Burton D. Tepfer VOLUNTEERS Rinna Tharo Anita Chow Harold Horwich Meredith Palmer Judith Thompson IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS Sang Malean Joan W. Cox Jamison Hunt Deborah Paone Catherine F. Thompson Aslan de la Barrera Sath Sour William Danforth Philip Hurzeler Elena Park Edwin and Joan Tiffany Monika Wunderer Jouvert Alex Carley Soth Meas Kaitlin Daoust Kimberly Im Patrick Parker Charles Turner Skody Scot & Company CPAs PC Jeff Dyer Taing Bunhong Christyne Davidian Melissa Im Charles Parton Sigal Tzoore Southwest One Michelle Foster Vin Tum James Dillard Kevin Jennings & Jeff Davis William Pasquina John Ungerleider Michelle Prevost Michael Glass You Chinkheng SUPPORT David Dowd Dick S. Johnson Seng Peng Jim Utterback Heidi Griswold Fowler Dugger Louise Johnson Rebecca Perrin Emalie Vann Thok VOLUNTEER Big Guan Michael & Katherine Dukakis Monika Johnson Margery L. Petterson Tooch Van WORKSHOP FACILITATORS Alicia Hamet Jon & Carol Dyer Paul & Marie Christine Katz Natalie Pollock Ryan Wagner Anders Jiras Thomas Engelman Sovong Keans Lucy Potter Mary Wasserman Cecilia Beirne Ros Ratanak We welcome donations large and small, Earl & Jenni Fairbanks David Kent Arthur G. & Barbara S. Powell Anne Watt Ralf Eisinger Fatima Rizvi in-kind support of materials and services, Melissa Farran Sodardhorn Khen David & Janet Radomski Beth Welch & Chuck Christensen Gabriel Laurent Joe Schreiber and volunteers with technical expertise Joanne Fearn-Wannan Kosal & Sukunthea Kom Phillip Rama Christopher & Alice White Phil Sen that meet skills shortages in our team Lawrence Finsen Jody Kuh Orion Ray-Jones Ann and Calhoun Wick EXPERT ADVISORS & SUPPORTERS Keat Sokim and artist community. We also welcome Dennis D. & Amy A. Galvam Mary Anne Kuzniar Yigal Rechtman Judith Wilkinson Patrick Sullivan the opportunity to discuss corporate Sarah Gibson Ben Labaree Preston Reed Mark & Lynne Wolf David Benaim sponsorship, work place and planned John Giles Kristen Lang John H. Riege Torsten N. Wiesel Patty McCormick AMATAK FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS giving. All of these types of support will Jocelyn Glatzer Cindy Lai Frances Roberts Thomas Wildman Jean-Baptiste Phou help us implement, improve and expand Lyne Gosselin Yun-Tao Lai Valerie B. Robin Mollie Yacano Nim Somaly Arn Panha our programs, and sustain our operations. Vera Grant Karin Larsen Alex Romero Danica You Sambo Manara Chan Peter Bethany Guertin Michael Lestz Rachelle Saltzman Tim Zimmer & Sydney Pierce Suon Bunrith Chan Sory Should you wish to make a contribution, David Guiffida Thomas Lincoln & Susan Barbara & Robert Sanderson Megan Zor Trent Walker Chhun Maleang please contact our Development Team at Jessica Hachmeiser Nina Lippman Vathana Say En Sormanak [email protected] Walter Halvorsen Christine Lozner Greg E. Sauve AMATAK FESTIVAL SUPPORTERS SCHOLARSHIP Heng Darith Jakob Hanenberg Lisa M. Lyons Barbara Schnoor SELECTION COMMITTEE Kim Sokoma We endeavor to recognize all of our supporters Ashton Hawkins Tean Ly Sandra Shapiro Common Sense Fund Kong Gne and try to ensure the information printed is Ahimza Hayes Richmond & Nancy Mayo-Smith Jeffrey Shumlin & Evie Lovett Ministry of Culture & Fine Arts Chea Sopheap Lak Ravy accurate. If you have any comments regarding Janice F. Mendenhall Pekka Silen The National Museum Arn Chorn-Pond Neang Visal your acknowledgement, please contact our Sophie Mensdorff-Pouilly Maureen Silverman Royal University of Fine Arts Ken Vanthy Nen Phearith Development Team at: Nicholas & Vivienne Metcalf Samneang Sin Soy Tola Ngoun Srey Teang [email protected]

INSPIRING CURIOSITY ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014 CAMBODIA OFFICE #128 G9, Sothearos Blvd, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Ph. +855 (0)23 986 032 [email protected]

USA OFFICE 228 Park Ave S #49331 New York, NY 10003-1502, USA Ph. +1 844 252 2787

www.cambodianlivingarts.org Cambodian Living Arts (CLA) INSPIRING CamboLivingArts CURIOSITY

Thank you Dennis Drenner, Bing Guan, Peter Lockett, George Nickel, Thoeun Veasna, Anders Jiras, Marion Gommard, AirAsia, Philip Sen, Chean Long, Hermann Seidl for their photographs.

Thank you to the team at Native Studio for designing this publication.