The work of one of the attendees of the May 24 Kampong Cham province workshop. Supplied
After a pandemic-induced pause, the NomadiX Art Tour, which champions "Art, Community, and Environment”, is once again touring the Kingdom. It will feature a series of major exhibitions, with one planned for Kampong Cham at the end of 2024 and one in Phnom Penh in 2025.
Co-organised by the “tiSamjort” arts collective, the NGO Forum on Cambodia (NGOF) and the Anicca Foundation, with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the exhibitions will feature artistic work created in workshops held in three provinces.
They will include visual art, cultural performances and interactive sessions, spotlighting the creative expression of local artists and participants from workshops in Kratie, Stung Treng, and Kampong Cham provinces.
Pok Marina, project coordinator, highlighted the tour’s vital role in celebrating creativity and community spirit, while raising awareness about environmental issues through the power of art.
“NomadiX Art Tour is back on the road in 2024 after the pandemic. The passion and dedication of contemporary Cambodian women artists will bring sparkles into local communities in Kampong Cham,” she says.
Students attend the May 24 workshop in Kampong Cham province and learn from local artists. Supplied
She explained that attendees of the exhibitions can look forward to a mix of artworks, including photography, videography, paintings and sculptures, all depicting environmental issues and proposing community solutions.
Traditional Khmer performances, such as classical dance, shadow puppetry and L’khaon Bassac, will provide a culturally immersive experience.
“Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to engage directly with the artists, learning about their creative journeys and participating in discussions on themes of environmental preservation and artistic legacy,” say the organisers.
A May 24 workshop in Kampong Cham concluded with an evening of art, including a film screening and mesmerising local arts performances.
Song Seng, project coordinator for the NomadiX Art Tour, told the Post: “The three provincial workshops in Kampong Cham have already been completed. We will hold workshops in Kratie and Stung Treng provinces in July.”
Attendees learn about specialised techniques from an established artist at the Kampong Cham workshop. Supplied
“We have programmes to train attendees in various art forms. Each of them is run by carefully selected artists from the provinces, and in the afternoon, we hold forums to showcase and discuss their work,” he explains.
The next workshop will take place at Wat ManhjakThmor Kre pagoda, in collaboration with Thmo Kre High School, in Kratie province on July 12.
The third and final workshop is scheduled to be held at the Preah Ko Temple in Thala Barivat commune, Stung Treng province, on July 15.
Seng adds that on November 30, the NomadiX Art Tour will hold a one-day exhibition in Kampong Cham.
Next year’s Phnom Penh exhibition, which will run for two weeks, is scheduled for February.
The exhibitions will also feature educational workshops with interactive sessions where attendees can learn artistic techniques and explore art as a tool for environmental advocacy.
A traditional dance performance, which followed the workshop in Kampong Cham province. Supplied
The general public, both artists and non-artists, are encouraged to attend these exhibitions to inspire creativity, promote environmental consciousness, and deepen community engagement through art.
"We are thrilled to be bringing the remarkable outcomes from our workshops to the public. The exhibitions in Kampong Cham and Phnom Penh will showcase the dedication and talent of our participants, highlighting the crucial role of art in addressing environmental challenges," says Oum Somaly, programme director at NGOF.
The exhibitions aim to use art to raise awareness about environmental and climate change issues, urging the community to reflect and act, while also emphasising the preservation of Khmer and indigenous artistic heritage.
More information about the NomadiX Art Tour project and upcoming events can be found on their social media pages.
Audience members enjoy the performances in Kampong Cham province. Supplied
