A woman draws caricatures of passersby in Battambang town in 2019. PHOTO SUPPLIED
In less than a week, the centre of Battambang town will come alive with music, circus and dance performances, fashion shows and art exhibitions.
After a two year delay brought on by Covid-19, the three-day event Chumnor Art Festival will make its triumphant return on November 25.
Poy Chhunly, organiser of the festival, told The Post that street 2.5 would host artists from four towns and provinces, with nearly 200 people volunteering. The event aims to find new markets for artists by attracting the attention of national and international tourists.
“A total of 190 artists and performers from Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kampot and Battambang provinces will present their work or perform for the public,” he said.
The three-day programme includes an exhibition of paintings, photographs and paintings by Hannah (two days), circus, dance and orchestra (three days), theatrical performances (three days), singer Maya (three days), traditional dance performance (one day), a fashion show (one day), Khan Khao and Meas Dimo will perform (two days) and contemporary art exhibitions and children’s colouring.
There will also be a presentation by international partner the Asian Foundation, which will screen films and shows on traditional Japanese culture, as well as an exhibition of paintings and the announcement of the winners of the 2022 White Canvas Cambodia Art Competition.
Another attraction is the Art Tour, which will take groups of tourists to meet nine artists around Battambang town, who will share their personal experiences.
“Artists from Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot and Battambang province will present their work and also sell their work. There will also be live painting and henna tattoos on offer. In addition, there will be street painting by the students of Phare Ponleu Selpak and Kolap Loeung School. Students from the Phare Ponleu Selpak Performing Arts School will entertain the audience with performances on Street 2.5, including circus, pop music and a hip-hop band,” he said.
“A performance by a local theatre group will explore the challenges of women in the theatre, and a classic all-girl group from Siem Reap will perform on all three days,” he added.
On November 26, a classical dance troupe led by Mao Raksmey will perform for the crowds, along with a unique fashion show of recycled materials, organised Hin Keomyean
“For two consecutive days, contemporary singers Khan Khao and Meas Dimo will perform. There will also be an art show by Chea Sereyrath, Roeun Sokhom, Long Kosal, Ry Mony Sovanya, and Chan Pisey on Street 2.5. Live painters Chuot Sidony and Lux Alex will also impress the crowd, guided by instructors from the Yellow Rose School,” said Chhunly.
He also told The Post about a special offer for Cambodians in Phnom Penh who wish to attend the event.
“Anyone who uses the discount code CHUMNORART will receive a 30 per cent discount through the BookMeBus website any time they travel between Phnom Penh and Battambang from November 20 until November 28,” he explained.
