King Norodom Sihamoni presents a decoration to Master Kong Nay (centre left, in sunglasses), the greatest living exponent of the traditional chrieng chapei style. Supplied
In a milestone for Cambodian Living Arts (CLA), the organisation celebrated its 25th anniversary with a royal audience, granted personally by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace.
The event marked a momentous occasion as His Majesty conferred special awards and prestigious Cambodian decorations, reflecting the deep appreciation of the Cambodian people.
During the ceremony, several Cambodian citizens who have significantly contributed to CLA’s success were awarded the Royal Order of Monisaraphon at the Knight Grand Cross level.
This level of the award is reserved for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to education, arts, science, literacy or social work.
Non-Cambodian citizens were honoured with the Royal Order of Sahametrei at the Grand Cross level, recognising their distinguished services to the King and the Cambodian people.
Sihamoni expressed his heartfelt gratitude and admiration for the efforts of CLA during the May 11 ceremony.
The King was cited by CLA as saying: “It is with enormous pleasure that I extend my warmest congratulations to each of these ladies and gentlemen who have contributed to Cambodian art and culture over the past 25 years, through their commitment and association with Cambodian Living Arts.”
He added, “Whether deceased or still alive, as well as to all the dedicated supporters present here and absent. They have devoted their physical, mental, and intellectual talents, tirelessly preserving the cultural arts passed down by our Khmer ancestors and innovating new forms of cultural expression, all in the pursuit of a more prosperous Cambodia for future generations.”
His Majesty highlighted the vital role of arts and culture in representing the spirit of the nation and promoting a sense of national conscience, upholding customs, traditions and national identity.
The recipients of the honours assemble for a group photograph at the Royal Palace. Supplied
He encouraged continued collaboration among organisations, associations and individuals to preserve and nurture all forms of Cambodian cultural arts for future generations.
Reflecting on the past, he recalled the poignant 2019 Gala Performance of “Bangsokol” at Phnom Penh’s Chaktomuk Conference Hall, which portrayed harrowing scenes from the war that devastated Cambodia’s social, economic and cultural infrastructures.
This performance, he noted, was a powerful moment of remembrance and a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Cambodian people.
Richard Helfer, advisor to His Majesty the King and chair of the CLA, expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “Personally and as chair of Cambodian Living Arts, I wish to offer our highest honour and respect to His Majesty and Her Majesty the Queen Mother for their continued strong support of Cambodian Living Arts and the special recognition of the individuals honoured here today.”
Founded in 1998 as a grassroots initiative inspired by Arn Chorn-Pond and supported by visionary leaders, CLA aims to revive, preserve, and promote Cambodia's rich yet endangered artistic heritage.
Over the past two decades, CLA has provided training and support to a new generation of artists, produced and presented significant artistic works locally and internationally, and integrated arts and culture programmes into public schools.
“Today, CLA focuses on nurturing artists whose work resonates with contemporary Cambodian society, providing resources, tools, and space to create impactful work through grant-making,” said a CLA press release.
As part of Living Arts International, CLA and its sister organisation Mekong Cultural Hub extend their efforts to young people in post-conflict societies in the Greater Mekong Region and the Global South.
