The Situation

Phare Ponleu Selpak (PPS), meaning The Brightness of the Arts, is a Cambodian non-profit arts organisation based in Battambang. Since 1994, PPS has supported children, youth and communities through integrated artistic, educational, social and community outreach programs. Phare’s mission is to provide a nurturing and creative environment that enables young people to become employable, enterprising, cultural and creative citizens, leaders and role models who positively impact their communities. Each year, over 800 students are supported through performing, visual and applied arts programs, leisure classes and vocational training. These programs help children and young adults develop creativity, communication and concentration skills, while preserving and promoting Cambodian arts and culture and creating pathways to sustainable artistic careers.

Established in 2014, the Visual and Applied Arts School (VAAS) is one of PPS’s specialised art schools and the first of its kind in Cambodia. VAAS delivers high-quality vocational and professional training, ranging from leisure art classes to a three-year professional program in graphic design, visual arts and animation. The school contributes to Cambodia’s transition from an agriculture-based economy to a growing tertiary and creative economy by equipping graduates with industry-relevant skills.

The Objectives

1. Provide 20 students from disadvantaged families with a three-year living and tuition scholarship to study visual and applied arts at VAAS.
2. Increase the employability of disadvantaged Cambodian youth through accredited arts vocational training.

Each scholarship supports tuition ($2,000 per student per year) and living costs ($1,200 per year), including food, accommodation and basic living supplies.

With your partnership, Phare Ponleu Selpak can continue changing lives through the arts—transforming creativity into opportunity and hope for young people who need it most.

For more information:

Phare Ponleu Selpak Association (PPSA)